Writing Resources and Tools

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A car stuck in a snowstorm represents the struggle of a writer who has lost the plot

Lost the Plot: What To Do When You Get Stuck

For all our enthusiasm when we start a story, it’s easy to get stuck and realize we lost the plot...

Characters drawn on papers suggest that character sheets are physical illustrations that offer details that just characterize something

Character Sheet Template: The Secret Tool for Creating Unforgettable Characters

A character sheet template can be the difference between a character who feels real on the page and one who...

Sage archetype visualized here by a swami with a book in hand, statue, portrayal of ethos

The Sage Archetype: The Gift and Burden of Knowing 

We’ve all read stories with a mentor figure The elderly woman who lives at the outskirts of the village and...

Women wearing stylish hats in a New York City exterior street, one in partial shadow to suggest a mystique and a thrill to avoiding wearing too many hats as a screenwriter

Wearing Too Many Hats: Understanding the Screenwriter’s Role

When writing a screenplay, there often comes a point where you start to imagine you’re in charge of the entire...

Advice on writing memoir from authors depicted by eight people standing at a beach in sunset, looking at the horizon

Advice from Authors on Writing Memoir – 8 Helpful Hints

Even accomplished writers balk at writing a memoir. While you may labor for years developing fictional narratives, screenplays, or essays,...

A messy, unfocused mix of paints suggests that revising vs. editing must be clearly defined to work reasonably in the scope of a piece of writing

Revising vs. Editing: Why Mixing Them Up Is Costing More Than You Think

You might be wondering, Aren’t revising and editing the same thing? They’re not. There’s actually an important distinction.  Let’s say...

Why Writers Get Stuck
Blog
Alan Watt

Why Writers Get Stuck

Einstein says, “You cannot solve a problem at the same level of consciousness that created the problem.” Writers often get stuck because

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One Thing Readers Hate
Blog
Alan Watt

One Thing Readers Hate

One thing readers hate are coincidences. Sure, coincidences occur in our lives every day, but in a story, they are generally a

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Making Time to Write
Blog
Alan Watt

Making Time to Write

  If you’re writing your first novel, you’re probably wondering how other writers ever make the time to write. We’re all busy.

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Recent posts

Stepping Into Your True Power

Stepping Into Your True Power

What does it mean to trust yourself? It sounds like a good idea, but it is often a counter-intuitive process....

The Internet: A Writer's Worst Distraction

The Internet: A Writer’s Worst Distraction

Sometimes the deeper we get into our story, the more we seek distraction. The internet will suck the life out...

Dealing with Fear

First-Time Novelists: Dealing with Fear

Many authors share a similar fear: “What will people think?” It looks slightly different for each writer. What will my...

The Necessity of an Outline

The Necessity of an Outline

“The outline is 95% of the book. Then I sit down to write, and that’s the easy part.” – Jefferey...

Tuscany 2024

Why We Go on Retreat

  For years, my students had been asking me when I was going to take them on a retreat. Frankly,...

Why Writers Get Stuck

Why Writers Get Stuck

Einstein says, “You cannot solve a problem at the same level of consciousness that created the problem.” Writers often get...

One Thing Readers Hate

One Thing Readers Hate

One thing readers hate are coincidences. Sure, coincidences occur in our lives every day, but in a story, they are...

Take Risks - Advice for First-Time Writers

Take Risks – Advice for First-Time Writers

“In order to share one’s true brilliance one initially has to risk looking like a fool.” – Criss Jami Writing...

Setting a Plan with Purpose

Setting a Plan with Purpose

Do you often find it hard to stick to your writing plan? How often do “important tasks” distract you and...

Finishing Your Story - 5 Tips to Get You to the End

Finishing Your Story: 5 Tips to Get You to the End

For all you writers struggling somewhere in the middle of your manuscript, here are five tips to get you to...

Setting a Daily Word Count

Setting a Daily Word Count

Here’s some advice for first time writers on setting a daily word count. Consistency is the key. Set a writing...

Writing Despite Fear of Criticism

Writing Despite Fear of Criticism

In 2017, Gustavo Dudamel became the youngest conductor of a major orchestra of his time. I remember an L.A. Times...

Your Writing Process is Valid

Your Writing Process is Valid

Every writer has their own way of working, a process that has to be developed and honed over many years....

Ten Suggestions for Writing

Ten Suggestions for Writing

Below are ten writing suggestions for anyone who is setting out to craft a novel, memoir, or screenplay. Some are...

How to Become a First-Time Author

How to Become a First-Time Author

The journey to becoming a first-time author is different for everyone. For me, it involved letting go of the idea...

How to Write Your First Novel

How to Write Your First Novel

Writing your first book might actually be fun. I’m serious. I know you’re terrified. It’s a scary thing to do....

Ten Signs of a Good Writing Instructor

Ten Signs of a Good Writing Instructor

  Choosing a writing instructor is a big decision. They are not all created equal. Here are some guidelines and...

Making Time to Write

Making Time to Write

  If you’re writing your first novel, you’re probably wondering how other writers ever make the time to write. We’re...