Win a free Tuscany writing retreat

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  • writing classes
    • The 90-Day Novel®
    • The 90-Day Memoir®
    • The 90-Day Screenplay™
    • The Rewrite Master Class
    • The 30-Day Outline
    • Siren Tales: A Women’s Writing Workshop
    • Story Day
    • Class Calendar
  • writing resources
    • 1-on-1 coaching
    • editing services
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unlock your dilemma ebook

A free guide to the core of your story. “Alan has a genius method to unlock your subconscious and get you writing. I’ve been able to drop all of my fears and get it done, which is remarkable.“ – Sherold Barr, Author of Reach For More

KatAdminJanuary 26, 2026

dilemma ebook

a free guide to the core of your story unlock your dilemma “Al has a genius method to unlock your subconscious and […]

KatAdminJanuary 21, 2026
Blog, Memoir, Novel / Fiction, Screenwriting

The Antihero’s Dilemma: Emphasizing Moral Conflict

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

Alan WattJanuary 8, 2026

Dilemma Resource

Dilemma: The Source of Your Story I made this resource to help you understand how to identify dilemma and use it to […]

KatAdminDecember 3, 2025
Blog, Dilemma, Memoir, Novel / Fiction, Screenwriting

Exploring the Dilemma

At the heart of every story lies a dilemma. It is not a question of whether or not your protagonist has a […]

Alan WattAugust 27, 2024
Blog, Dilemma, Memoir, Novel / Fiction, Screenwriting

Exploring Your Protagonist’s Dilemma

(Image from The Hunger Games, 2012) “The moment we want to believe something, we suddenly see all the arguments for it, and […]

Alan WattDecember 11, 2023
Blog, Dilemma, Memoir, Novel / Fiction, Screenwriting

How Do You Identify the Dilemma in Your Story?

At the heart of every story lies a dilemma from which all tensions and conflicts arise. How do you identify the dilemma […]

Alan WattOctober 15, 2021

dilemma – the source of your story

The purpose of story is to reveal a transformation, a change or shift in perception. In this one hour workshop, you’ll find the most effective way to tell your story and explore your theme through a dilemma “resolved” in that transformation. Running Time: 60 minutes Download available for 30 days after purchase.

Alan WattSeptember 23, 2020
Blog, Dilemma, Memoir, Novel / Fiction, Screenwriting

No Dilemma, No Story

One thing that has been coming up a lot in my classes is the tendency for writers to “figure out” their plot. […]

Alan WattJune 4, 2019
Blog, Dilemma, Memoir, Novel / Fiction, Screenwriting

Dilemma: The Source of Your Story

At the heart of every story lies a dilemma. It is not a question of whether or not your protagonist has a […]

Alan WattJanuary 16, 2019

Story Day — live on Zoom, January 24, 2027

Win a free Tuscany writing retreat Story Day unlock the story within A six-hour story structure workshop with Alan Watt, live on […]

ClaudeOctober 15, 2026
Blog, First-Time Novelist, Novel / Fiction

How to Use Tension in Writing

Tension can arise from anywhere — in a simple conversation, a family dinner, a job interview, or even with a lone character […]

Alan WattOctober 13, 2026
Blog, Inspiration, Novel / Fiction

The Purpose of Made-Up Words in Stories

Have you ever read a book and come across a word you’d never heard or seen before? At first, you might stop […]

Alan WattOctober 12, 2026
Blog, First-Time Novelist, Novel / Fiction

Fourth Person Point of View

Fourth person point of view is a unique and rarely used perspective in stories.  First person gives us “I.” Second person gives […]

Alan WattOctober 11, 2026
Blog, First-Time Novelist, Novel / Fiction, Outline

Character Questionnaire: Turn Vague Ideas into Realistic Characters

Character questionnaires are designed to help you get to know a character that doesn’t yet exist. You might know the name of […]

Alan WattOctober 7, 2026
Blog, First-Time Novelist, Free, General, Novel / Fiction

Best Books on Writing: 7 Books for Your Writing Journey

Have you ever stared at a blank page and wondered whether your story needed more inspiration or a clearer outline? If you’re […]

Alan WattOctober 6, 2026
Blog, General, Novel / Fiction, Resources

Character Bio Template: Creating Dynamic Characters

A dynamic character bio template helps you understand how that character supports the story you are telling. It’s not just a list […]

Alan WattOctober 4, 2026
Blog, Free, General, Novel / Fiction, Resources

How to Build Personality Strengths and Weaknesses in Your Characters

If you ask a writer to identify their character’s personality strengths and weaknesses, most of them will come up with a weakness […]

Alan WattOctober 3, 2026
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Workshops

  • the 90-day novel®
  • the 90-day memoir®
  • the 90-day screenplay™
  • story day
  • rewrite master class
  • the 30-day outline
  • siren tales: a women’s writing workshop
  • Tuscany writing retreat
  • envision: creative goal setting
  • writing challenge
  • solo/couples retreat
  • the 90-day novel®
  • the 90-day memoir®
  • the 90-day screenplay™
  • story day
  • rewrite master class
  • the 30-day outline
  • siren tales: a women’s writing workshop
  • Tuscany writing retreat
  • envision: creative goal setting
  • writing challenge
  • solo/couples retreat

Creativity is your birthright. Your sole purpose is to build a body of work.

The written signature of Alan Watt, writing teacher

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alanwatt.com
  • writing classes
    • The 90-Day Novel®
    • The 90-Day Memoir®
    • The 90-Day Screenplay™
    • The Rewrite Master Class
    • The 30-Day Outline
    • Siren Tales: A Women’s Writing Workshop
    • Story Day
    • Class Calendar
  • writing resources
    • 1-on-1 coaching
    • editing services
    • books
    • videos
    • audio
    • writing challenge
    • envision
    • write on thursdays
    • other free resources
  • retreats
    • Tuscany Retreat
    • Solo Retreats
  • blog
    • How to Outline a Book
    • How to Write a Memoir
    • How to Write a Novel
    • How to Write a Screenplay
    • Story Structure
    • Character Development
    • The Writing Process
    • Writing Techniques
    • Writing Resources & Tools
    • Book Editing
    • How to Publish a Book
    • Writers on Writing
  • meet Alan
  • contact
  • log In
  • log out
  • Join Free
  • ⠀