Writers Helping Writers^®

Posts by Lucy V. Hay

Antihero vs. Antagonist vs. Villain: What’s The Difference?

September 15, 2026

Antihero vs. Antagonist vs. Villain: What’s The Difference?

September 15, 2026

Readers LOVE morally gray characters. Go on Instagram or TikTok and it’s all everyone is talking about. Antiheroes who screw with our perception of the ‘greater good’ … Villains with…

What To Do If You Feel Overwhelmed With Writing

June 16, 2026

What To Do If You Feel Overwhelmed With Writing

June 16, 2026

You’re Not Alone Most writers feel overwhelmed with writing at some point. It’s part of the process! However, knowing this and dealing with it are two separate things. It’s all…

From Idea to Page: The Journey of a Romance Novel

March 17, 2026

From Idea to Page: The Journey of a Romance Novel

March 17, 2026

Romance is the #1 genre of all time. Whether you love it or loathe it yourself, it’s fair to say readers LOVE it! As someone who enjoys romance novels of…

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,…