Writers Helping Writers^®

Posts by Lucy V. Hay

See Why Three Types of Character Motivation Matter

December 16, 2025

See Why Three Types of Character Motivation Matter

December 16, 2025

All About Character Motivation Character motivation is key in any good story. A great character wants or needs something for a reason … and they must struggle to get it. Your…

How To Push Past The Fear of Never Getting Published

September 16, 2025

How To Push Past The Fear of Never Getting Published

September 16, 2025

“What If No One Ever Publishes My Work?” If you’re worried that no publisher will pick YOUR novel, you’re not alone. This is a fear I’d venture 100% of authors…

Why You Deserve to Go on a Writing Retreat

June 17, 2025

Why You Deserve to Go on a Writing Retreat

June 17, 2025

So, You Want to Go on a Writing Retreat? A writing retreat is a designated period and space where writers gather to focus on their writing projects. Often such retreats take…

How To Write A Likeable Character

March 18, 2025

How To Write A Likeable Character

March 18, 2025

Likeable characters can become the beating heart of your narrative. Readers root for them and stick with them throughout their journeys. But what exactly makes a character likeable? It’s not…

Three Ways a Talent or Skill Can Set Your Character Apart From the Rest

December 17, 2024

Three Ways a Talent or Skill Can Set Your Character Apart From the Rest

December 17, 2024

Your Characters’ Skills Memorable characters often have skills or talents that set them apart … but these abilities need to serve a purpose in the story. So, how do we…

Should Your Novel Have a Prologue?

September 17, 2024

Should Your Novel Have a Prologue?

September 17, 2024

All About Prologues Every word counts in a story and first impressions matter. Traditionally, a prologue is an introductory chapter that sets the scene, tone and genre of your novel.…

Top 10 Tips On Writing A Fantasy Novel

June 18, 2024

Top 10 Tips On Writing A Fantasy Novel

June 18, 2024

What Makes Up Fantasy As A Genre? If you want to write a fantasy novel, it pays to understand what goes into this fascinating genre. Fantasy conventions can vary widely,…

The Secret To a Compelling Author Bio

March 19, 2024

The Secret To a Compelling Author Bio

March 19, 2024

Goodbye to Boring Bios Are you struggling to write the perfect author bio for your book, social media or website? Then this post is for you! Say goodbye to boring…

Five Top Tips To Smash Your Writing Goals

December 19, 2023

Five Top Tips To Smash Your Writing Goals

December 19, 2023

The start of a new year is a great time to put plans in place to ensure a terrific writing year. So to help you get your writing in this…

How To Write A Psychological Thriller Without Frying Your Own Brain

September 19, 2023

How To Write A Psychological Thriller Without Frying Your Own Brain

September 19, 2023

Writing A Psychological Thriller Whether you’re a fan of the genre or looking to try your hand at writing one, a psychological thriller can be fun to both read AND…