In one of the modules in the Write for a Reason Academy, we look at conflicts. Without conflicts we have a pretty boring story!
Imagine this scenario: a family go for a nice walk in the woods on a lovely sunny day, see foxes and squirrels, listen to birds singing, have a delicious picnic then go home again.
In real life, if that happened, we would be hugely grateful that nothing bad had happened, and remember it as a lovely day!
But if you were reading that story, you’d be constantly waiting for something to happen, and feel baffled when you got to the end, when nothing did!
In stories, we need conflict. This can vary, from a teddy being lost, to wolves gathering in the darkness ready to pick off the weakest, to… well, I’ll leave that to you. 🙂
Here are some thoughts:
- You need to make your conflicts age appropriate. A teddy being lost is a dreadful thing for a five year old. Wolves gathering would more likely suit older kids… and so on.
- You need a little conflict at the beginning, to set the scene for the reader, to pull them in.
- You need to build the tension.
- You need a BIG conflict at the end, eg the family decide they will have to leave teddy behind, or wolves are surrounding the group…
- Then the conflict is resolved. You have to find that teddy, right? 🙂
Trust that helps!
Do you think it’s time for you to do the Write for a Reason Academy? This is an online course for Christians new to writing stories for kids and teens or those who would like a refresher on the basics, that you do in your own time. Or join our membership group? We meet every week for encouragement, inspiration and Q and A. It’s lots of fun! Check out the links, and let me know if you have any questions.
Have a great week,
Janet