On Wednesdays I like to share information, the kind of stuff I wish someone would have shared with me when I started on my writing, publishing and marketing journey.
Writer Wednesday
Writing Conflict
I have always had trouble writing conflict, the fiction type that is. My first 3 books are nonfiction and based on conflict so I only had to write what happened, in my own words.
Making conflict up from scratch is a whole different matter. I don’t like conflict at all and have spent my life trying to avoid it but to tell a good story conflict is an absolute necessity. Even worse it needs to happen in every scene. Conflict is what moves the story forward.
Conflict comes in all shapes sizes and degrees. Every scene doesn’t have to an impending asteroid crash and saving the earth. Conflict can be as simple as a character not being able to find his/her keys.
For me when it comes to showing verses telling, especially when writing conflict I like to have my characters go through the five stages of grief. It’s a simple (if there is such a thing) way for me to show what they are feeling whether they’ve broken a shoe lace or been turned into a werewolf.
- Denial
- Anger
- Bargaining
- Depression
- Acceptance
Dialogue is a good way to introduce drama and then to build conflict but it can get boring if you use it continuously through an entire action scene.
There are two types of conflict, Internal and external. Internal conflict happens in the mind (deciding whether or not to beat someone up) and external conflict is more physical (physically beating someone up.)
Each conflict needs a conclusion. The conclusion doesn’t necessarily have to be wrapped up in a happy ending, unless it is the ending of the book and you want it to be happy. The conflict of the lost keys could end in the character finding them or in not finding them and needing to call someone for a ride. Whichever way you choose to end your characters conflict it should involve moving the story forward. What if your character called his best friend for a ride and the best friend was unavailable but his girlfriend is available. She arrives to take him to work and there is an accident along the deserted road she chose as a shortcut because he was so late. End of chapter. This scenario could lead to any number of new conflicts that serve to continue moving the story forward.
Happy writing,
Doreen
Events for The Stranger In My Recliner:
I will be at The Philadelphia Writers Conference June 10th, 11th and 12th.
June 25th (12pm-2pm) I will be joining six other authors at the Doylestown Bookshop for their celebration of small press authors and publishers.
http://www.doylestownbookshop.com
24 thoughts on “Conflict…”
If I ever take on the adventure of writing/publishing a book, these tips will be good to have. Always learning something new here in this blogging group.
Thank you Michelle!
I don’t like conflict and try to avoid confrontations at all costs. So these are wonderful tips if I ever decide to write a book of fiction. Thanks again, Doreen.
You and me both, confrontation is awful!
You always have such great tips Doreen! I pinned this to my writing tips board because I know that I will refer back to it time and time again. I have finished my first draft and am in the editing process. I’m not sure where to go next but I’m going to go back read some of your old posts to get some much needed advice. Thank you for all you do for us inspiring writers.
Congratulations on getting that book done, can’t wait to read it!
Sounds like a real conflict there. LOL. Great tips for writing.
I should write that story lol.
The reminder of our need to propel a story forward is such a good one. Just about everything, including dialogue, has to be in service of moving the reader along in the tale. Which is what keeps us turning pages!
I think it’s good advice for fiction and nonfiction.
Great advice, as usual. I write essays and humor rather than fiction but what you say holds true there too. Conflict, however small, is key. (I’m looking forward to seeing you at Donna’s book launch party in July!)
I’d much rather avoid conflict but it happens everyday in some way or another.
I so wish I could be at the Philadelphia Writers Conference too! Can’t wait to hear what you’ve learned. P.S. I’m not a lover of conflict either, but know its crucial for good writing.
I wish you were going too. I’m looking forward to learning about humor writing, I need it!
I don’t write fiction, but I learned something from your post today! And you never know…Thanks, Doreen!
Thank you Cathy.
I keep waiting for the inspiration to write something bigger than a blog – nothing yet but stuff like this is really helpful to keep in mind – thanks Doreen.
Writing and keeping up with a blog is a big deal!
Hi Doreen,
I posted also about tips I wish I would have known when I started blogging.
Janice
I enjoyed your site. Lots of good blogging info!
You really should write that book! You’re ready for fiction, aren’t you? Great tips, as always.
b
I am so ready but started another nonfiction today. ugh.
Since you hate conflict, you’ve got conflict radar. That gives you the edge. Use your super power. That’s what I try to do and it works pretty well.
Anna from elements of emaginette
So true, I can feel conflict coming from a mile away lol!