Conflict: It's What's for Dinner

...if you're a writer, that is. Conflict is our bread and butter. Conflict between characters keeps the plot going, it keeps the tension simmering, and it pushes your characters to do things they might not normally do.

If you've ever listened to a kid who's around 4-6 years old tell a story, you've probably heard a story without conflict. I've heard plenty over my years of parenting and working with other people's children, and let me tell you, stories without conflict tend to be boring. Without stakes, tension, or momentum, there's just not much to engage a reader's (or listener's) attention.

Pretending To Listen GIFfrom Pretending To Listen GIFs

When Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi, the authors of one of my absolute favorite resources, The Emotional Wound Thesaurus, announced that they were releasing a new entry in their thesaurus series all about conflict, I was genuinely excited to sign up for their promo team. Every time they release a book they do something epic and fun to celebrate, and I get to tell you all about it! I recommend several of their thesaurii to writers I do edits for all the time, because the books are great for all levels of writers. They explain the basic concept of each book, why it's important, and how to implement it in your novel, all in one inexpensive, easy-to-navigate, guide. What's not to love?

So if you want to learn more about how to improve your use of conflict in your writing, I definitely recommend that you check out The Conflict Thesaurus: A Writer’s Guide to Obstacles, Adversaries, and Inner Struggles (Vol. 1)

You're probably curious about this book, so let me break it down. The Conflict Thesaurus is set up like the other books in their series: part how-to, part thesaurus. This guide shows writers how to maximize conflict and use it to build tension, drive the plot, reveal your character's inner layers, and most importantly, keep readers glued to the page.

It's packed with conflict scenarios like Moral Dilemmas, Ticking Clocks, Obstacles, No-Win Scenarios, Temptations and more. It can help you nail down your plot and character arc, so check it out!

Now, speaking of conflict, I have a BIG question for you. Remember that epic fun I mentioned earlier? It's time for a game!

Can You Survive Danger as Well as Your Favorite Protagonist?

You're probably pretty good at throwing problems at your characters and making life difficult for them. After all, that's part of being a writer. But do you ever think about how you'd do if you had to face the same situations? If you were the protagonist, would you hold up to the pressure? Would you make good decisions and succeed, or screw up and fail?

Let's find out.

Introducing...The Conflict Challenge

Become the protagonist in a story Angela & Becca created using scenarios found in the Conflict Thesaurus to see if you've got what it takes to win.

The Conflict Challenge is fun, campy, and will put your wits and instincts to the test.

And if you survive, you will win some cool stuff!

GIVEAWAY ALERT!!!

While you’re checking out the Conflict Challenge at Writers Helping Writers, make sure to also enter their Conflict Thesaurus release day giveaway, too. But hurry – it ends October 15th.

So, take the Conflict Challenge…if you dare. And don’t forget to come back and let me know how you did against Camp Deadwood!