The Key to Conflict

As a new writer, I once went to a workshop where the presenter promised to “show how to put conflict on every page of your story.”

That sounded like an episode of reality television to me. I couldn’t imagine everyone arguing on every page.

Because I had missed a key factor in writing conflict.

Conflict is not confrontation.

Conflict is a decision. Sometimes it is described as an “impossible” decision because either choice has consequences. Those consequences are the stakes. The higher the stakes (the more positive or negative the possible outcome of the decision) the stronger the tension.

This is where movie trailers and book blurbs draw you in.

Like the one below for The Cleaning Lady. I’ve never watched this show, but the conflict and stakes are immediately clear.

She is a former doctor who comes to the US to get treatment for her chronically ill son.

She is made an offer by a really shady dude.

Help me and I will help your son.

She has to make a decision. What happens if she helps him? What happens if she doesn’t? Which of those stakes outweighs the other?

But wait!

It gets worse. Now law enforcement is involved. That’s where knowing the stakes creates the tension. Now we’re worried about her.

What will shady guy do if he finds out she’s cooperating with special agent dude? What will special agent dude do if she refuses to help? What will happen to her child?

Conflict is key to intriguing readers because it forces the question: What would you do?

The Sleeping Baby Dilemma

An example I’ve used when presenting on this topic in the past is a little less life-or-death.

Ever had a cranky child (or a rambunctious puppy) that’s been refusing to nap fall asleep on your lap? For a moment, there is peace. All is right with the world…until those cups of coffee you’ve been downing all morning to function like a human kick in.

Now there is a decision to be made.

A decision with stakes and consequences for each side.

What happens if you get up?

What happens if you stay put?

Which of those is worth the risk?

Learn to increase your conflict, stakes, and tension with Story Fuel!