Jennifer Hayward Consulting Homepage - Jennifer Hayward

Story Development

Do you have a great idea for a story, but need help crafting it into a compelling, marketable premise that will catch an agent or editor’s eye?

Stuck on a scene and can’t seem to move on? Need to plot your way out of a big black hole? Fix a sagging middle? Re-engineer your characters so they have a compelling goal and conflict that will drive the action right to the last page?

In my story development and brainstorming sessions, we work through any issues you’re having with your manuscript, helping to unstick, re-inspire and get you moving again.

Sometimes all you need is an objective brain when you can’t see the wood from the trees! We’ll use my training in creative brainstorming techniques to blast through the problem and inject fresh new energy into your story.
How it Works:
  • These are 1 hour sessions conducted via phone or video call (because I find that is the most effective way to brainstorm) but we can also message if that is your preference.
  • Sessions are billed at a rate of USD $75.00/hr.
  • I will provide a summary of our discussion within 24 hours of the chat.
  • I’m happy to recommend various writing resources as appropriate if you’d like supplementary info.
  • I can’t guarantee what we come up with is going to sell your book or lead to millions of sales. Only you can do that. What I can do is help get you unstuck and thinking outside of the box. Help you craft your ideas into the strongest story possible from a commercial perspective. To point out the things you may not have thought of, and to help spur your own creative thinking.
  • I will never divulge or discuss your creative ideas or work with anyone else.
  • If you feel you need more help with your story than a one-hour session, please refer to the Story Coaching offering.
GET STARTED
Tara Pammi
Harlequin Presents
author of
An Innocent to Tame the Italian
Jennifer Hayward is the queen of the black moment. Our brainstorm sessions help me dig deep into the characters and find the most powerful, satisfying conclusion to my story.”
I've always admired Jennifer's talent as an author, and reading one of her novels is like a mini writing course. She nails characterization, pacing, and plot development, and she crafts sparkling dialogue like the writing guru she is. With Jennifer in my writing corner, I was able to ensure my story was the best it could be. She helped me see the forest through the trees, patiently pointing out weaknesses, inconsistencies, and areas where I could make my story stronger. Now I have four published novels to my credit, and I'm working on a fifth with a goal of selling it to Harlequin.”
Lisa Weaver
Author of
The Billionaire's Bodyguard Bride
Kat Cantrell
USA Today
Bestselling Author of
The SEALS of Superstition Springs
“Jen is my longest running sounding board and I would be lost without her! She is always there on the other side of my computer screen or phone line to talk through plot points and brainstorm with me when I'm stuck. When I was writing From Enemies to Expecting, I needed a unique way to get my cosmetic industry marketing executive and my billionaire baseball team owner together and boy did Jen deliver. (the lemonade stand scene is still one of my favorites) I can't think of someone better suited to coach a writer to The End--and beyond!”