We use the terms scene and sequel for so many definitions when it comes to writing that it can be difficult (not to mention confusing) to discuss Dwight Swain’s ideas of “scenes and sequels” (from his Techniques of the Selling Writer). But if we understand his insights, we can take a deeper look at … [Read more...] about Scenes vs. Sequels: What’s a Good Balance?
Search Results for: conflict in every scene
Stoking Your Story’s Fire: Three Considerations for Revising Scene by Scene
By David G. Brown The Two Pillars of Storytelling After my first couple years as a fiction editor, I realized that all of my developmental feedback for clients fit into one of two categories. The first is immersion: the quality of a narrative that transports readers to another time and place. … [Read more...] about Stoking Your Story’s Fire: Three Considerations for Revising Scene by Scene
Need Compelling Conflict? Choose A Variety of Kinds
All right, hands up: What’s the one thing we can’t get enough of in fiction but we avoid like a screaming toddler in real life? Conflict. It's ironic that something we try to avoid in the real world is the very thing we can’t get enough of in books. Psychologically speaking, though, it … [Read more...] about Need Compelling Conflict? Choose A Variety of Kinds
Does Your Story Need More Conflict? Tap this Powerful Source
Conflict is such a versatile storytelling element. Not only will obstacles, adversaries, and stressors keep tension high and readers focused, they also provide characters with valuable opportunities to prove themselves, chances to reexamine what they believe and want, and even failures that teach … [Read more...] about Does Your Story Need More Conflict? Tap this Powerful Source
How to Nail the Purpose of Your Novel’s Scenes
By Resident Writing Coach Alumni, C. S. Lakin Ever read a scene in a novel, get to the end, and scratch your head? Have you ever asked, “What the heck was the purpose of that scene? Nothing really happened—at least nothing interesting or _____? (important, revealing, tense, or funny … you fill … [Read more...] about How to Nail the Purpose of Your Novel’s Scenes
The Conflict Thesaurus (Volume 1) Master List of Entries
Conflict is a powerful ingredient across all genres and mediums, punching up the pace, cranking up the pressure, and pulling readers into the story. Below are the entries from the first volume of The Conflict Thesaurus: A Writer's Guide to Obstacles, Adversaries, and Inner Struggles. You can … [Read more...] about The Conflict Thesaurus (Volume 1) Master List of Entries
The Conflict Thesaurus Writing Guide Is Coming
Each year we look forward to this post, the one where we get to spill the beans and introduce to you the next book in our thesaurus series. This one we are so excited about, because no matter what genre and age group you write for, mastering conflict is a must. And this book is going to help you do … [Read more...] about The Conflict Thesaurus Writing Guide Is Coming
THE CONFLICT THESAURUS, Volume 1: A Writer’s Guide to Obstacles, Adversaries, and Inner Struggles
Every story starts with a character who is motivated by a need and has a goal that can resolve it. Whether their objective is to find a life partner, bring a killer to justice, overthrow a cruel regime, or something else, conflict transforms a story premise into something fresh. Physical … [Read more...] about THE CONFLICT THESAURUS, Volume 1: A Writer’s Guide to Obstacles, Adversaries, and Inner Struggles
Power Up Individual Scenes with a Scene Tracker
One of the most powerful tools in a writer’s toolkit is a scene tracker, also known as a scene map. Whether you’re drafting or you’re looking to revise a finished draft, there is no better way to simultaneously evaluate the efficacy of individual scenes and your story’s full internal and … [Read more...] about Power Up Individual Scenes with a Scene Tracker
Conflict Thesaurus Entry: The Death of a Pet
Conflict is very often the magic sauce for generating tension and turning a ho-hum story into one that rivets readers. As such, every scene should contain a struggle of some kind. Maybe it's an internal tug-of-war having to do with difficult decisions, morals, or temptations. Or it possibly could … [Read more...] about Conflict Thesaurus Entry: The Death of a Pet
Conflict Thesaurus Entry: Being Blackmailed
Conflict is very often the magic sauce for generating tension and turning a ho-hum story into one that rivets readers. As such, every scene should contain a struggle of some kind. Maybe it's an internal tug-of-war having to do with difficult decisions, morals, or temptations. Or it possibly could … [Read more...] about Conflict Thesaurus Entry: Being Blackmailed
Conflict Thesaurus Entry: Lacking an Important Resource
Conflict is very often the magic sauce for generating tension and turning a ho-hum story into one that rivets readers. As such, every scene should contain a struggle of some kind. Maybe it's an internal tug-of-war having to do with difficult decisions, morals, or temptations. Or it possibly could … [Read more...] about Conflict Thesaurus Entry: Lacking an Important Resource