How to Write a Novel

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high fantasy vs low fantasy

High Fantasy vs Low Fantasy

All stories have some magic in them. On one end of the spectrum, you have stories spanning across galaxies with...

misdirection

The Art of Narrative Misdirection

Misdirection — the art of strategically concealing and revealing information — is one of the most potent literary tools that...

tragic hero

The Tragic Hero 

Tragic heroes are like a falling star, burning, hurtling to their doom, but are a sight to behold all the...

setting

Setting: Establishing the World

Setting isn’t just a backdrop; it’s a signal, cueing the reader how to read what comes next. Before a character...

antihero

The Antihero Explained

Stories are not always about morally spotless heroes, nor should they be. Truly compelling protagonists have flaws that affect their...

writing hooks

How to Write a Hook

When you’re at the bookstore surfing for a good read, you’re often trying to get a sense of the tone...

story structure
Blog
Alan Watt

Story Structure of a Novel

Story structure is an essential aspect to creating a compelling narrative. While the beginnings of a story emerge from the wildness of

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novel
Blog
Alan Watt

What is a Novel?

We use the word novel casually, as if it simply means “a long story,” but a novel is defined by more than

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Recent posts

novels vs books

Novels vs Books — What’s the Difference?

The words “book” and “novel” are sometimes used interchangeably. But they actually mean different things. In this article, I’ll describe...

novel outline

How to Outline Your Novel in 5 Steps

Each writer has their own process. Some writers (often called pantsers) believe that outlining their novel limits their creativity, while...

story structure

Story Structure of a Novel

Story structure is an essential aspect to creating a compelling narrative. While the beginnings of a story emerge from the...

novel

What is a Novel?

We use the word novel casually, as if it simply means “a long story,” but a novel is defined by...

Genres

Book Genres: Top 9 Fiction Categories

When talking about your writing project with a friend, one of their first questions will likely be “What is the...

12 Maxims of The 90-Day Novel

12 Maxims of The 90-Day Novel

Have you thought about your creative goals for this coming year? If you’re planning to write your novel, here are...

Sell Your Novel to the Movies

Sell Your Novel to the Movies

When I did a book tour for my first novel, someone asked, “Have you sold the film rights?” And when...

Writing Fiction: Letting Go of Our Story

Writing Fiction: Letting Go of Our Story

“Danger lies in the writer becoming the victim of his own exaggeration, losing the exact notion of sincerity, and in...