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Craft

How to Write Conflict in Your Novel: Tips for Crafting Dynamic Drama

Conflict is the backbone of any good story. It makes readers want to keep turning the pages, desperate to discover what happens next. If you want to write a novel packed with conflict, you’ve come to the right place. In this blog post, I’ll give you tips on crafting dynamic scenes of conflict that will keep your readers hooked from beginning to end.

So, what are some tips for writing conflict in your novel? Here are five to get you started:
  1. Make sure each character has a clear motivation for why they’re doing what they’re doing. Without this, the conflict will feel contrived and forced.
  2. Allow the conflict to escalate gradually. Start with small disagreements and then amp up the stakes as things progress. Conflict doesn’t always have to be big and dramatic. Sometimes the most interesting stories come from more subtle conflicts, like those between friends or family members. Experiment and see what works best for your story.
  3. Don’t be afraid to let your characters make mistakes. This will only make them feel more real and relatable to readers. We need to be able to root for them, and this means giving them relatable goals and motivations. Remember that not every character needs to be involved in every scene of conflict. In fact, sometimes, it can be more effective to have just one or two characters locked in battle while the rest of the cast watches on from the sidelines. This allows you to focus on the emotions and motivations of the characters involved and explore their relationship’s intricacies.
  4. Use dialogue to heighten the tension between characters further.
  5. And finally, remember that conflict should always serve a purpose. It should move the story forward and help to develop the characters in some way. One of the best ways to create believable conflict is to write about universal themes we can all relate to. Love, loss, betrayal, ambition, greed, fear… these are all emotions that we have all felt at one time, so they make for great fodder for conflict in your novel.

With these tips in mind, you should be well on your way to writing conflict that is dynamic and engaging. Would you like to talk about writing conflict? Get in touch here. 

Want to read something similar? Check out the following:

How to Create a Realistic Character
How to Create Tension in Your Writing

Categories
Coaching Productivity

How to Get Back into Creative Writing: Tips for Returning Writers

Perhaps it’s been a while since you’ve written anything creatively. You used to enjoy writing short stories, poetry, and novels, but now it feels like a chore. You can’t seem to find the inspiration you need, and the words just won’t come out right. Creative writing can be a lot of fun, but it can also be daunting to start again after taking a break. These tips will help ease you back into the swing of things so you can enjoy the process and produce your best work.

Here are some tips for returning writers that will help get your creative juices flowing again:
  1. Assuming you haven’t written anything in a while, the first step is just to start writing again. Set aside some time each day, or even each week, specifically for writing. It doesn’t matter what you write about – just get words on the page. The important thing is to keep the momentum going and not let yourself get too discouraged. Making time for regular writing sessions will help train your brain to think creatively again.
  2. Pick up a pen and paper instead of typing on a computer. Sometimes the physical act of writing can help jumpstart your creativity.
  3. Start with prompts. If you’re having trouble coming up with ideas, try using prompts to get started. You can find them in my newsletters, prompts online or in books designed specifically for writers. Once you get started, the ideas will begin to flow more easily.
  4. Join a writer’s group or take a writing class. Connecting with other writers can help jumpstart your creativity and give you some constructive feedback on your work. If you want to take a Creative Writing class online, check out my Creative Writing Masterclass here!
  5. Read, read, read! When you’re not writing, fill your time with reading material that inspires you. Whether it’s fiction or nonfiction, reading will help.
  6. Set small goals at first. Trying to tackle a massive project right off the bat can be daunting and lead to writer’s block. Instead, start with something more manageable that you know you can complete. This will help build your confidence and keep you motivated to keep going.
  7. If you’re having trouble getting started, it can also be helpful to lower your expectations. Write for yourself first and foremost, and don’t worry about whether what you’re producing is good or not. The goal is simply to get back into the habit of writing regularly.
  8. And finally, don’t forget to have fun! Creative writing should be enjoyable, so find a topic or genre you’re passionate about.

Taking some time for yourself is essential, too. Make sure to schedule some downtime to relax and recharge. Once you’ve taken some time to refresh yourself, you’ll be ready to start writing again with fresh energy and ideas.

If you follow these tips, you’ll be well on your way to getting back into the swing of things when it comes to creative writing. Just remember to take things slow, be patient with yourself, and most importantly, have fun!

Do you have any other tips for getting back into creative writing? Share them with me here. Want to talk about you can get back into writing? Book a Discovery Call today!

If you want to read something similar, check out the following:

Don’t Know Where to Start Writing? Try The Triptych Method
10 Ways to Limit Writing Overwhelm