Conflict. What is it? If you have kids or a rocky marriage or a bipolar mother, the answer is clear.
Conflict is tension, stress, anxiety, and emotionally based.
My big A-HA moment regarding the craft of conflict came one day when I was reading one of my favorite blogs: writerunboxed.com
Now I promise, this week of CRAFT postings won't be just one big Donald Maass love-fest, but he does have really great writing advice. Here's the post that inspired me: The Elements of Awe Part II
In this post he writes:
"What does your protagonist believe beyond all else? Create a story event that forces him or her to accept the opposite."
A-HA!
Now, there's some conflict.
What is the best piece of advice you have for including conflict in your writing?
I love Donald Maass. I have his workbook: The Breakout Novel Workbook. I use it within my writing group, too.
ReplyDeleteHe has this one activity where you think up something your protagonist or antagonist absolutely would NOT do, then have him/her do it in a scene. I love that one.
Happy New Year, Margo!
Okay, I see I'm going to have to read me some Donald Mass how-to-write books! Sounds like great info. Not sure I have my protag in my previous novel do quite such a belief switcheroo, but in my current one, I'm pulling the rug out from under all his belief systems. *grin*
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by and following my blog, Margo! Big 100-follower giveaway to be posted tomorrow, Wednesday!