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The 90-Day Novel: Unlock the story within
Alan Watt wrote the first draft of his novel Diamond Dogs in just under 90 days, and later sold the North American rights for $500,000 to Little, Brown in a bidding war. The book became a national bestseller, won a slew of awards and is soon to be a major motion picture.
Get the first draft down quickly! The 90-Day Novel is a day-by-day guide through the process of getting the first draft of your novel onto the page. The 90-Day Novel was workshopped at LA Writers' Lab over three years and has helped hundreds of writers complete their work. Some of his students have gone on to become bestselling authors and win major literary awards.
The 90-Day Novel is structured into three parts. Part One describes the process of getting your story from imagination to the page and prepares you, through a few simple, powerful writing exercises to access the story within. Part Two is The 90-Day Novel, a series of 90 daily letters that will guide you through the hero's journey. Writers often tend to get stuck halfway through, mired somewhere in their "idea" of the story. The 90-Day Novel will show you how and why you got stuck, and how to get to the end of your first draft. Part Three is a compendium of stream-of-consciousness writing exercises designed to help you access the primal forces in your story, as well as the Structure Questions that will invite up images at key stages in your hero's journey.
The 90-Day Novel teaches you how to distill your plot to its nature, and clarifies the mysterious process of assembling vague disparate images into a coherent narrative. Working in this way, story structure (which is often taught as a formula) becomes a springboard, setting you free to explore the far reaches of your imagination. "There are no rules," Watt tells us. "Stay out of your left brain, and let your unconscious do the heavy lifting." The 90-Day Novel clearly articulates the process of marrying the rigor of story structure to the wildness of the imagination, and in the process reminds us of something we so often forget...that writing is actually fun.
Get the first draft down quickly! The 90-Day Novel is a day-by-day guide through the process of getting the first draft of your novel onto the page. The 90-Day Novel was workshopped at LA Writers' Lab over three years and has helped hundreds of writers complete their work. Some of his students have gone on to become bestselling authors and win major literary awards.
The 90-Day Novel is structured into three parts. Part One describes the process of getting your story from imagination to the page and prepares you, through a few simple, powerful writing exercises to access the story within. Part Two is The 90-Day Novel, a series of 90 daily letters that will guide you through the hero's journey. Writers often tend to get stuck halfway through, mired somewhere in their "idea" of the story. The 90-Day Novel will show you how and why you got stuck, and how to get to the end of your first draft. Part Three is a compendium of stream-of-consciousness writing exercises designed to help you access the primal forces in your story, as well as the Structure Questions that will invite up images at key stages in your hero's journey.
The 90-Day Novel teaches you how to distill your plot to its nature, and clarifies the mysterious process of assembling vague disparate images into a coherent narrative. Working in this way, story structure (which is often taught as a formula) becomes a springboard, setting you free to explore the far reaches of your imagination. "There are no rules," Watt tells us. "Stay out of your left brain, and let your unconscious do the heavy lifting." The 90-Day Novel clearly articulates the process of marrying the rigor of story structure to the wildness of the imagination, and in the process reminds us of something we so often forget...that writing is actually fun.
310 pages, Paperback
First published October 10, 2010
407 people are currently reading
1664 people want to read
About the author
Alan Watt
8 books35 followersAlan Watt is a novelist, screenwriter and playwright. His bestselling novel Diamond Dogs (Little, Brown), won numerous awards including France’s 2004 Prix Printemps (best foreign novel). He recently adapted the book for French film company, Quad, and it is soon to be a feature film. His book, The 90-Day Novel, is one of the top-selling books on writing. He's also the author of The 90-Day Rewrite and (coming Fall 2013) The 90-Day Screenplay.
Al founded L.A. Writers’ Lab in 2002 as a place for writers to deepen their craft by learning to marry the rigor of structure to the freedom of the muse. He has taught everyone from award-winning authors to A-list screenwriters, journalists, poets, actors, professional athletes, war veterans, housewives, doctors, lawyers, television showrunners, Emmy-winning directors, first-time writers, and anyone else with a story to tell.
Al founded L.A. Writers’ Lab in 2002 as a place for writers to deepen their craft by learning to marry the rigor of structure to the freedom of the muse. He has taught everyone from award-winning authors to A-list screenwriters, journalists, poets, actors, professional athletes, war veterans, housewives, doctors, lawyers, television showrunners, Emmy-winning directors, first-time writers, and anyone else with a story to tell.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
June 14, 2024
14 November 2021
I've tried to do NaNoWriMo for a few years now, and I always gave up before halftime, because it causes too much stress for me. Like I blink one and I'm already 10.000 words behind.
But I've read and loved this book before, and want to try it for real when I'm finished my current project. Follow it day-by-day.
Even if the writing part doesn't start until day 29 since it begins with prepping, the remaining ~60 days are still twice as much as NaNo's 30.
1 November 2021
My new favorite book on writing. Although I didn't try to write a book in 90 days, the questions in it helped me more with my story than any other book or video on YouTube.
I've tried to do NaNoWriMo for a few years now, and I always gave up before halftime, because it causes too much stress for me. Like I blink one and I'm already 10.000 words behind.
But I've read and loved this book before, and want to try it for real when I'm finished my current project. Follow it day-by-day.
Even if the writing part doesn't start until day 29 since it begins with prepping, the remaining ~60 days are still twice as much as NaNo's 30.
1 November 2021
My new favorite book on writing. Although I didn't try to write a book in 90 days, the questions in it helped me more with my story than any other book or video on YouTube.
August 4, 2020
This book is a practical how-to book on writing fiction. Many of the how-to books are inspirational and theoretical as well as biographical. This book is about the nuts and bolts of getting the story out and onto the page.
The main idea in it is to write the first draft fast, fast, fast. It is messy and ugly and terribly flawed- but it has potential. And it gets you in the habit of writing past your inner critic. The next step is to work with the material it generated to hone a finished work.
This book is a very good first step but its technique needs to be let go once the first draft has been written. It will not take you through the process of completing a manuscript.
But I do think the suggestions in the book are helpful mainly because it asks questions about the characters you are developing.
All the best in your writing endeavors!
The main idea in it is to write the first draft fast, fast, fast. It is messy and ugly and terribly flawed- but it has potential. And it gets you in the habit of writing past your inner critic. The next step is to work with the material it generated to hone a finished work.
This book is a very good first step but its technique needs to be let go once the first draft has been written. It will not take you through the process of completing a manuscript.
But I do think the suggestions in the book are helpful mainly because it asks questions about the characters you are developing.
All the best in your writing endeavors!
August 7, 2020
I heard about this book in an interview with the amazing Ottessa Moshfegh. She claims (cheekily) that she used it to write her Booker-nominated Eileen. So I used it to write my book - or at least the first shitty draft of it. It was tough, many days of writing character backgrounds, building their lives and backstories. I am sure that had some value but I wonder if I would use it on my next novel - I don't think so. Overall though, I'm glad I used it, because it gave me a daily goal and helped to structure my writing process.
February 19, 2021
Good chance Julia Cameron fans will enjoy this, given that there are a few similarities. If Cameron doesn’t resonate, you still may find this bread-crumbs/inside-to-out writing approach useful.
November 2, 2010
This is a fantastic resource for anyone who wants to write a novel. I spent years laboring under what I thought my story was, and using this method, I wrote a first draft in only 90 days!
There is so much freedom in this method, but the book also teaches much about story structure. Most books on writing I've seen focus on either structure or freewriting - this book combines both, and beautifully.
I am told that he is working on a book called The 90-Day Rewrite also, so we will have additional tools at our disposal soon! I am looking forward to the release of that one!
I've spent a lot of money on books and workshops - thousands of dollars. This book and workshop helped me the most by far. I now know how to deal with my fears and write the book I was supposed to write without dealing with any needless grief.
The subtitle of this book is "Unlock the story within". Trust me, it ain't kidding. The lock doesn't even exist for me anymore.
There is so much freedom in this method, but the book also teaches much about story structure. Most books on writing I've seen focus on either structure or freewriting - this book combines both, and beautifully.
I am told that he is working on a book called The 90-Day Rewrite also, so we will have additional tools at our disposal soon! I am looking forward to the release of that one!
I've spent a lot of money on books and workshops - thousands of dollars. This book and workshop helped me the most by far. I now know how to deal with my fears and write the book I was supposed to write without dealing with any needless grief.
The subtitle of this book is "Unlock the story within". Trust me, it ain't kidding. The lock doesn't even exist for me anymore.
October 26, 2010
I needed a workshop to overcome a serious block, so I googled everything that was available, from online miracle cures to neighborhood reading clubs.
The only one that stood out was called "The 90-Day Novel Workshop." Unlike the others, most of which were built around structural techniques, this one said forget about structure, we need to probe our unconscious to find the truth about the story we want to tell. And let the structure reveal itself as part of the process. Two meetings a week, two hours of writing a day, both guided exercises and free form, and a first draft novel in 90 days.
It turned out to be the most important google search of my life. First, I discovered that the block was the result of trying to write the wrong book. The story that was lying in wait, bursting to get out, was an idea I'd shoved in a drawer years ago, thinking it too difficult. When I let go of my resistance, it just started pouring out, full of startling character and detail. Some of it even art. Or thereabouts. I have been astonished -- and grateful -- every day since.
I read a pre-release of "The 90-Day Novel" and was delighted that it so fully captures the spirit of the workshop. Alan is a superb writer and a wonderful teacher. Now that he's put everything down in book form, those of us who've taken the workshop have a valuable hard copy of our experience. Those who haven't taken the workshop can look forward to a nonstop, eye-opening adventure into the heart of personal story telling.
Trust me, this man knows the secret. You will not always like it, and it can become extremely uncomfortable. The truth is never what we want it to be, and getting to the truth, recognizing and accepting it for what it is, and even more difficult, writing it down honestly and without prejudice, is the core of this process. But through both the bleak and exalting days, and all the ones in between, Alan is always there to coach you through it. Even in print.
All in all, a wonderful achievement.
The only one that stood out was called "The 90-Day Novel Workshop." Unlike the others, most of which were built around structural techniques, this one said forget about structure, we need to probe our unconscious to find the truth about the story we want to tell. And let the structure reveal itself as part of the process. Two meetings a week, two hours of writing a day, both guided exercises and free form, and a first draft novel in 90 days.
It turned out to be the most important google search of my life. First, I discovered that the block was the result of trying to write the wrong book. The story that was lying in wait, bursting to get out, was an idea I'd shoved in a drawer years ago, thinking it too difficult. When I let go of my resistance, it just started pouring out, full of startling character and detail. Some of it even art. Or thereabouts. I have been astonished -- and grateful -- every day since.
I read a pre-release of "The 90-Day Novel" and was delighted that it so fully captures the spirit of the workshop. Alan is a superb writer and a wonderful teacher. Now that he's put everything down in book form, those of us who've taken the workshop have a valuable hard copy of our experience. Those who haven't taken the workshop can look forward to a nonstop, eye-opening adventure into the heart of personal story telling.
Trust me, this man knows the secret. You will not always like it, and it can become extremely uncomfortable. The truth is never what we want it to be, and getting to the truth, recognizing and accepting it for what it is, and even more difficult, writing it down honestly and without prejudice, is the core of this process. But through both the bleak and exalting days, and all the ones in between, Alan is always there to coach you through it. Even in print.
All in all, a wonderful achievement.
August 30, 2013
These days I only read "how to write novels in 5 days or less and make 1 million dollars" for pleasure. It can be an interesting exercise to look into the mind of another writer. Just realize it is another writer. It isn't you.
I desperately wish I could have the same success as Alan (writes a novel in 90 days. A few weeks after that sells it for $500,000. Not a bad way to make a living.). But this guy is writing a book with some serious survivor bias going on.
Good tips, but there is a long list of other books I would recommend to learn how to write a novel.
I desperately wish I could have the same success as Alan (writes a novel in 90 days. A few weeks after that sells it for $500,000. Not a bad way to make a living.). But this guy is writing a book with some serious survivor bias going on.
Good tips, but there is a long list of other books I would recommend to learn how to write a novel.
December 23, 2014
I read this book AGES ago. Followed some of the advice, but in the end you end up with nonsense. It would be cool if your subconscious could produce a great novel, but it really can't. It takes quite a bit of research and motivations and things that are well thought out.
On the one hand though, I found out my subconscious makes really questionable choices.
On the one hand though, I found out my subconscious makes really questionable choices.
July 9, 2012
I've read over fifty books on the craft of fiction. The 90-Day Novel stands in the top five. Using the exercises in this book changed the way I write fiction. At the risk of melodrama, the book was life-changing in that it opened the door to help me understand why I write the kinds of stories I do, and gave me incredibly deeper access to my Voice. I highly recommend it.
June 23, 2012
Alan Watt has hit on an excellent (if not unique) method for leading novice - and experienced - writers towards the goal of writing a good first draft novel. Using stream of consciousness techniques he begins 90 days of writing exercises by exploring the fears of the writer, arguing that even they can be used to form the nucleus of any novel.
He then gets the reader/writer to mine and explore theme, character, and images that could be used to create a novel plot. I say, could, because Watt stresses the importance of holding the story very loosely during these 90 days, not adding structure but surveying the unconscious and what moves within it to eventually create a well structured worthwhile story.
Thought it's not magic, the way in which the novel forms during the 90 days gave me a shiver down my spine. I have to admit that some of the exercises in the book are repetitive but the reason for that is, apparently, that even the same questions can elicit different responses in the same writer over a given time.
As you reach the end of the book, you realise that Watt is not teaching a technique, he is encouraging you to find your own method of writing - which is, after all, the best way to work as a writer.
If you have always wanted to write a novel and are serious about it but need some hand-holding, go get this book. It, more than any other 'how to write book', has shown me a way of exercising the writing muscles whilst forming your own methods of starting and writing a long project.
He then gets the reader/writer to mine and explore theme, character, and images that could be used to create a novel plot. I say, could, because Watt stresses the importance of holding the story very loosely during these 90 days, not adding structure but surveying the unconscious and what moves within it to eventually create a well structured worthwhile story.
Thought it's not magic, the way in which the novel forms during the 90 days gave me a shiver down my spine. I have to admit that some of the exercises in the book are repetitive but the reason for that is, apparently, that even the same questions can elicit different responses in the same writer over a given time.
As you reach the end of the book, you realise that Watt is not teaching a technique, he is encouraging you to find your own method of writing - which is, after all, the best way to work as a writer.
If you have always wanted to write a novel and are serious about it but need some hand-holding, go get this book. It, more than any other 'how to write book', has shown me a way of exercising the writing muscles whilst forming your own methods of starting and writing a long project.
February 2, 2012
Written in a friendly approachable style, THE 90-DAY NOVEL takes an unusual approach in that it makes a good effort at explaining the unconscious aspects of writing. Combining tips and secrets, quotes and writing exercise, Watt encourages the reader through the dynamic process of completing a first draft of a novel within a 90-day period.
His explanation of showing versus telling to add life to a story was very good, as were many of the writing secrets he revealed. At last I feel comfortable being a writer who prefers to write with only the vaguest sense of where the story is leading me!
While repetition is a good teaching technique in a live workshop environment, encouraging students to remember core concepts, there was a lot of repetition in this book. At times this was annoying.
I’m also not a fan of writing books that have writing exercises as an integral part of reading the book – my only reading time is late at night, in bed, which makes doing writing exercises difficult. Other readers who like doing practical exercises to help them understand may find the book easier to read than I did.
I did pick up many useful tips on writing a novel quickly, the main one being to trust my own writing process and not to fear writing the forbidden.
December 13, 2010
"Couldn't Have Done it without Alan Watt and the 90 Day Novel!"
The 90 Day Novel is a savior!! Having never written a full piece before, I signed up for one of Alan Watt's 90 Day Novel Workshops and now am forever grateful!
I truly believe I never would have finished my first novel without the brilliance of the 90 Day Novels guidance. The structure it gives along with a 90 day time commitment creates an environment for creativity to freely flourish within the natural journey towards a transformation. The Daily Writing Exercises that stoke the fire of the imagination, along with the Structure Questions give a perfect balance through the writing process.
Now having experience how effective this way of working is, I am thrilled to begin my next project, and the 90 Day Novel will be there the whole way. This book is an inspiration, an illumination, and a solid instrument of story which allows anyone to play the beautiful symphony of their heart and mind toward a tangible creation. It's a must have for any writer, and after reading several other books on writing, it is my number 1 choice and recommendation.
The 90 Day Novel is a savior!! Having never written a full piece before, I signed up for one of Alan Watt's 90 Day Novel Workshops and now am forever grateful!
I truly believe I never would have finished my first novel without the brilliance of the 90 Day Novels guidance. The structure it gives along with a 90 day time commitment creates an environment for creativity to freely flourish within the natural journey towards a transformation. The Daily Writing Exercises that stoke the fire of the imagination, along with the Structure Questions give a perfect balance through the writing process.
Now having experience how effective this way of working is, I am thrilled to begin my next project, and the 90 Day Novel will be there the whole way. This book is an inspiration, an illumination, and a solid instrument of story which allows anyone to play the beautiful symphony of their heart and mind toward a tangible creation. It's a must have for any writer, and after reading several other books on writing, it is my number 1 choice and recommendation.
June 25, 2020
Ik heb een verhaal? Ik heb bijna 200 pagina's aan verhaal? ik ga het heel erg moeten herschrijven want het is nu alleen maar een skelet (een megabreekbaar skelet dat ook nog 'ns verschrikkelijk slecht elkaar gezet is), maar
holy fk. sorry ik ben even sprakeloos
(Dit 90-Day Novel-boek is fantastisch en redde mijn verhaal waarover ik tien jaar gedaan heb)
(ja tien ja)
(wat
nu)
holy fk. sorry ik ben even sprakeloos
(Dit 90-Day Novel-boek is fantastisch en redde mijn verhaal waarover ik tien jaar gedaan heb)
(ja tien ja)
(wat
nu)
November 3, 2010
A friend wrote the words, 'Al Watt. The 90 Day Novel' on the back of her business card and handed it to me with an emphatic, "Check it out." The next thing I knew I was writing the book I'd put off for over a year.
In my experience, The 90 Day Novel provides an ideal balance between specific guidance and no hard and fast rules, and Al keeps the process moving at a pace that discourages resistance and promotes progress. There is an alchemy to it whereby decisions are made, protagonists come to life, and pages get written. And it's fun. I highly recommend it to anyone who blocked, stalled, short on confidence, or otherwise staring at a blank page.
In my experience, The 90 Day Novel provides an ideal balance between specific guidance and no hard and fast rules, and Al keeps the process moving at a pace that discourages resistance and promotes progress. There is an alchemy to it whereby decisions are made, protagonists come to life, and pages get written. And it's fun. I highly recommend it to anyone who blocked, stalled, short on confidence, or otherwise staring at a blank page.
January 3, 2012
I pull this book out everytime I need to get going writing. It's not that I have writers' block but have writers' doubt. We have to pay our "dues"; have thick skin; and be open to critiques from anyone--and still get started on the next story. I'd write even if I never published. I'm a word smith and at heart the old fashioned story teller. So Mr. Watt is my comfort and acceleration tool until I'm pounding the keys on my own. I've read his book and the second time around actually did all the exercises in less than sixty days--I have ADD--don't hurry through the book. It's a great and useful tool. Thanks Mr. Watt.
January 9, 2012
Because of this book, I actually *did* write a memoir in 90 Days. So, if you want to cheat writer's block and have your story in your head--or heart--go for it. For those of us stuck in edits, it looks like there's a sequel int he works...
August 31, 2021
The title of this book doesn't do it justice. "The 90-Day Novel" sounds like a formulaic, prescriptive how-to text that shuttles the writer through a draft, making sure they hit each stop before driving them to the next. As these books have only hindered and frustrated me as I struggled to complete a draft of my novel, I initially didn't give Watt's book a chance. It was only when Sarah Selecky recommended it during her Story Intensive program and I listened to her interview with Watt that I decided to incorporate it into my writing routine.
Guess what? I finished my draft in just over 90 days.
Like Selecky, Watt takes a more intuitive approach to drafting, believing that the story is bigger than its writer. According to him, we can only inquire into its nature. The focus is less on figuring things out or trying to solve the problem of the story. Instead, Watt claims we need to be open, inquire into our story and characters and jot down the images that come to us. These images are charged, have energy, and will become the foundation on which to build our tale.
The book is neatly organized, starting with a preparation section, moving on to the 90 days, and then ending with some stream-of-consciousness questions. Watt also includes a short discussion on outline, questions on structure, and a sample outline of his novel "Diamond Dogs" for those writers who work best with some structure.
The 90-Day section loosely follows the three-act structure, and each day Watt provides a snippet of gentle guidance and an inspirational quote from other writers and creators. Each week is based on a theme so that our focus is always on our current work and not on all the things we still need to do. Watt emphasizes that when we focus on the result, our story will suffer, so the daily guidance places us in the moment. The first month of the program is focused on building story and character through stream-of-consciousnesses writing; we don't even begin writing the first draft until day 29.
As I was constantly getting mired in what I "should" be doing to write a "successful" story, I appreciated this more open approach. It took the pressure off and allowed me to have fun with the process, to focus on the images that came to mind without any judgment. It also reminded me that writing doesn't just occur on the page; it also happens when I allow my mind to rest, or when I sit back and daydream. Sure, this more intuitive approach might mean my first draft needs a lot of work, but it's done. And first drafts aren't meant to be perfect anyway, something else Watt reminds us at several points. They are where the story begins to emerge, like a flower poking out of the soil in spring.
What I really like about Watt's approach is his discussion on dilemma and desire. Dilemma, to him, is what drives every story forward. A dilemma is not a problem--problems can be solved, but dilemmas can't. In fact, a character's attempt to solve a dilemma creates more problems, which leads to more delicious conflict. A dilemma is only "solved" when the character surrenders and then shifts their perception. The meaning they placed on their desire, the idea of what they believed it would give them, changes as a result. Watt gives some examples of dilemmas in popular fiction, making the theory easy to follow. I love this idea. It makes characters become realistic beings who actually want something, and it causes the conflict to originate from them rather than have the characters be driven by plot. For me, character-driven stories are stronger and far more interesting than plot-driven stories, and it's what I strive for in my own writing.
Please consider trying this book if you've been struggling with finishing a draft or are looking to shake up your writing routine. Even if you don't finish a draft in 90 days, that's okay! At the very least, you'll produce some content you can play with or get some extra practice.
Guess what? I finished my draft in just over 90 days.
Like Selecky, Watt takes a more intuitive approach to drafting, believing that the story is bigger than its writer. According to him, we can only inquire into its nature. The focus is less on figuring things out or trying to solve the problem of the story. Instead, Watt claims we need to be open, inquire into our story and characters and jot down the images that come to us. These images are charged, have energy, and will become the foundation on which to build our tale.
The book is neatly organized, starting with a preparation section, moving on to the 90 days, and then ending with some stream-of-consciousness questions. Watt also includes a short discussion on outline, questions on structure, and a sample outline of his novel "Diamond Dogs" for those writers who work best with some structure.
The 90-Day section loosely follows the three-act structure, and each day Watt provides a snippet of gentle guidance and an inspirational quote from other writers and creators. Each week is based on a theme so that our focus is always on our current work and not on all the things we still need to do. Watt emphasizes that when we focus on the result, our story will suffer, so the daily guidance places us in the moment. The first month of the program is focused on building story and character through stream-of-consciousnesses writing; we don't even begin writing the first draft until day 29.
As I was constantly getting mired in what I "should" be doing to write a "successful" story, I appreciated this more open approach. It took the pressure off and allowed me to have fun with the process, to focus on the images that came to mind without any judgment. It also reminded me that writing doesn't just occur on the page; it also happens when I allow my mind to rest, or when I sit back and daydream. Sure, this more intuitive approach might mean my first draft needs a lot of work, but it's done. And first drafts aren't meant to be perfect anyway, something else Watt reminds us at several points. They are where the story begins to emerge, like a flower poking out of the soil in spring.
What I really like about Watt's approach is his discussion on dilemma and desire. Dilemma, to him, is what drives every story forward. A dilemma is not a problem--problems can be solved, but dilemmas can't. In fact, a character's attempt to solve a dilemma creates more problems, which leads to more delicious conflict. A dilemma is only "solved" when the character surrenders and then shifts their perception. The meaning they placed on their desire, the idea of what they believed it would give them, changes as a result. Watt gives some examples of dilemmas in popular fiction, making the theory easy to follow. I love this idea. It makes characters become realistic beings who actually want something, and it causes the conflict to originate from them rather than have the characters be driven by plot. For me, character-driven stories are stronger and far more interesting than plot-driven stories, and it's what I strive for in my own writing.
Please consider trying this book if you've been struggling with finishing a draft or are looking to shake up your writing routine. Even if you don't finish a draft in 90 days, that's okay! At the very least, you'll produce some content you can play with or get some extra practice.
June 26, 2024
Thank you, library!
DNF, stopping at 61% because while one little bit helped me, I know too much to get enough out of this book to sustain my interest. It's probably an excellent book for people working especially on their first novel, specifically because the idea is to do a lot of thinking first. I, a pantser, would rather write and figure it out that way, but I gave this a solid try for as long as I could. I found the questions posed at the end of each chapter too repetitious and ultimately meaningless, and that's where this idea failed me.
But also, I'm a pantser, and that probably doesn't help. :P
DNF, stopping at 61% because while one little bit helped me, I know too much to get enough out of this book to sustain my interest. It's probably an excellent book for people working especially on their first novel, specifically because the idea is to do a lot of thinking first. I, a pantser, would rather write and figure it out that way, but I gave this a solid try for as long as I could. I found the questions posed at the end of each chapter too repetitious and ultimately meaningless, and that's where this idea failed me.
But also, I'm a pantser, and that probably doesn't help. :P
July 23, 2025
3.5 ⭐️ This is truly a “How To” Manuel. As someone who wants to write a book, I found it to be useful. The first half helped me to structure my thoughts and create a loose outline. The second half slowed me down. I think because creativity needs to flow, it can’t be forced. Sticking to a rigid schedule created blocks for me. Otherwise, this is a good book.
February 19, 2012
A very hands on writing book. Watt takes you from the beginning and holds your hand all the way through to the end. He lists engaging questions to think about for your characters, helps you to see your way through the world and gets you started with every day.
The only complaint I had was that some of the days there towards the beginning seemed rather sparse in what was done for that day and it felt like some of the exercises and prompts could have been combined to move things along a little faster.
That aside, there was nothing said that I had to stick to every day and found that it was just as easy to go at my own pace, which is ultimately what the book is about, and if that involved combining the exercises for the days, it was easy to do so.
I highly recommend this book as a good one for motivation and the prompts and exercises you work through to flesh out your characters and your world.
I was forced to stop writing midway through due to unforeseen circumstances but will definitely be using this book again now that I am able to get back to it.
The only complaint I had was that some of the days there towards the beginning seemed rather sparse in what was done for that day and it felt like some of the exercises and prompts could have been combined to move things along a little faster.
That aside, there was nothing said that I had to stick to every day and found that it was just as easy to go at my own pace, which is ultimately what the book is about, and if that involved combining the exercises for the days, it was easy to do so.
I highly recommend this book as a good one for motivation and the prompts and exercises you work through to flesh out your characters and your world.
I was forced to stop writing midway through due to unforeseen circumstances but will definitely be using this book again now that I am able to get back to it.
November 9, 2010
The 90-Day Novel is a book and a process I believe in, and in my view may be larger than the author himself. Alan Watt’s methods coax, guide, and encourage, so virtually all can finding a story within, worth telling. He was able to take a novice, me, and provide an on-going writing process. I’m thrilled I continue to work with a sense of purpose and urgency.
In the past I had taken many writing courses and seminars. Most emphasized the elements which comprised a great story, but none provided a method and/or guidance for tapping into a creative Source to develop these elements. Al’s teachings contained in this book, lead one to write meaningful words and wonder, “Where did that come from?”
Others seem to encourage manufacturing a “product” made up of known parts. The 90-Day Novel provides the means to create a story from the inside out. The only downside…writing is required to bring it to the page. You may already know I recommend this book.
In the past I had taken many writing courses and seminars. Most emphasized the elements which comprised a great story, but none provided a method and/or guidance for tapping into a creative Source to develop these elements. Al’s teachings contained in this book, lead one to write meaningful words and wonder, “Where did that come from?”
Others seem to encourage manufacturing a “product” made up of known parts. The 90-Day Novel provides the means to create a story from the inside out. The only downside…writing is required to bring it to the page. You may already know I recommend this book.
June 25, 2019
Otessa Moshfegh says this book helped her write Eileen, which I liked. I did not really like this book, though. I didn't realize it was self-published, which means that there are a lot of typos and misspellings. It seems to be better advise for writing a screenplay than a novel- not all novels follow the strict format Watt advises- and it's also just repetitive and dull in the way it's written. And Watt's idea of good writing is very...male. The ideas for stream-of-conscious writing prompts aren't bad, though.
January 17, 2017
Helpful and motivating. Four stars because my hero is a She so it really annoys me that He is the only sex used to refer to a hero. Was this book written before the 1980's?
I'd suggest instructional books written for men and women use he and she interchangeably throughout. Or pick "she" for the next two hundred years. It's rather alienating and dismissive of 50% of humans on earth and my main character on a subconscious level - which is the level these exercises are supposed to work on.
Otherwise found the exercises useful in working on my novel.
I'd suggest instructional books written for men and women use he and she interchangeably throughout. Or pick "she" for the next two hundred years. It's rather alienating and dismissive of 50% of humans on earth and my main character on a subconscious level - which is the level these exercises are supposed to work on.
Otherwise found the exercises useful in working on my novel.
November 8, 2010
Al Watt has an accessible approach to writing with "The 90-Day Novel" and his method is deeply satisfying. Watt puts you in touch with your deepest source of imagination and give you the tools and exercises to tap into that source to write your original story. Watt has reverence for the creative process and that humble approach and concise exercises related to structure allows students to write novels in 90 days!
September 17, 2014
Write a Conflicting Book with Hero & the Antagonist having Backstories,strength,weakness,hidden agendas,lies etc etc. This is the only Advice the Author gives throughout this Book apart from self-publicizing his own Book Diamond Dogs. Now that you read this above Tips,you don't hv to read this 300 pages of GIbberish.
July 22, 2017
Particularly the first 28 days- once we started the actual drafting, I found it significantly less useful, but the character exercises in the first 28 days saved my novel. My new draft after completing them is finally clear and actually going to make it into revisions. It helped me find the story that I really wanted to tell.
June 14, 2012
Not that I'm DOING what the book says - which is writing my novel in 90 days, this book is more than worth the price of admission.
September 21, 2011
To anyone used to reading this sort of book, Watt has a very unique and, for me, a very useful approach. If this book does not get you writing, well, maybe take up knitting? Archery? Crosswords?
January 9, 2012
This is a must read for any writer. It will change the way you look at your muse and blast through writer's block. Can't recommend it highly enough... And I'm not a fan of how-to books.
February 21, 2022
Read this and wrote a book back in ‘18.
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