Writer Unleashed #125: How To Write Conflict Into Every Scene
Every story since the beginning of time has involved conflict.
Somebody wants something, goes out to get it, and has trouble getting it. That’s what story is in a nutshell.
Conflict is essential because it creates narrative tension that keeps your readers invested.
But conflict is not just on the plot level.
Every scene is a reconstruction of the main conflict. Each scene will contain some adversarial relationship as your character goes after the thing he or she wants.
So, to keep readers engaged, you'll want to bring some element of conflict to each scene.
But it doesn't have to be epic or high drama. Conflict is not always a fight or a battle.
Even an ordinary exchange can contain conflict. It can be subtle, complex, big or small.
In this episode, learn how to bring conflict to every scene in your story.
We'll cover:
- What we mean by conflict and why high drama does not equal dramatic;
- 3 common mistakes writers make with conflict;
- 5 different types of antagonists, and;
- How to mine story conflict, both big and small, from your everyday life.
Also listen to:
Episode 112: 3 Tips For Writing Dynamic Dialogue
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