The great thing about structure is that it provides a solid framework for your story, while still presenting endless possibilities. This is just as true of the Scene* as it is of the larger plot structure that guides your story as a whole. Now that we’ve concluded our exploration of the first part of the […]
December 30, 2012 by 38 Comments Structuring Your NovelStructuring Your Story’s Scenes, Pt. 4: Options for Conflict in a Scene
Once you’ve established your character’s scene* goal, the fun begins in earnest! Conflict is what story is all about. Without it, the characters would achieve their goals in minutes, all the loose ends would instantly be tied off with a pretty red bow, and the story would be happily ever over. That may be nice […]
December 16, 2012 by 26 Comments Structuring Your NovelStructuring Your Story’s Scenes, Pt. 2: The Three Building Blocks of the Scene
Like story itself, each Scene* follows a specific structure. In fact, the arc of a Scene is a miniature version of the larger story structure exhibited over the course of the book: 1. Beginning=Hook 2. Middle=Development 3. End=Climax When we look at the arc this way, it makes a basic sort of sense. It doesn’t, […]
December 5, 2012 by 18 Comments Plotting Your NovelWhat’s the Difference Between Conflict and Tension?
What is the difference between conflict and tension? I sometimes use the two terms interchangeably, not so much because they’re the same thing (they’re not) but because they’re kissing cousins that fulfill similar functions within the story. Conflict indicates a defined obstruction between the character and the goal. Two people arguing. Two armies fighting. Or […]
November 14, 2012 by 10 Comments Plotting Your NovelPour on the Conflict!
As we continue with our series about what I learned while writing my fantasy novel Dreamlander, I’d like to devote today’s post to the all-important subject of conflict. I love action stories, so most of my novels lean in that direction. Dreamlander is no different. It features large-scale Renaissance-esque battles among other things. But the truth is […]
September 16, 2012 by 11 Comments Plotting Your NovelThe Most Crucial Ingredient for Solid Story Conflict
Conflict is the life’s blood of fiction. Conflict means something is happening. Conflict brings change. And there’s also the little matter of human nature’s voyeuristic fascination with other people’s confrontations. “No conflict, no story” is a rule of fiction familiar to even the noobiest of noob writers. We’re told to pack in the conflict. Make […]
August 5, 2012 by 38 Comments Most Common Writing MistakesMost Common Writing Mistakes: Not Enough Story Tension
How can you keep your story moving forward in scenes that don’t offer full-blown conflict? No doubt you’ve heard the aphorism, “No conflict, no story.” But your characters can’t be clawing each other’s eyes out in every scene. So how do you keep readers hooked until you can pull out the big guns? The answer […]
July 22, 2012 by 25 Comments Structuring Your NovelHow to Discover the Purpose of Every Scene in Your Story
In creating meaningful and effective scenes, the most important questions writers should ask are: What is the focus of this scene? What is its purpose? Let’s a take a look at how to find the best answers to these questions. How to Find Your Scene’s Purpose Scenes are created in one of two ways. 1. […]
July 18, 2012 by 34 Comments CharactersWhy Your Hero Needs a Yappy Sidekick
Some of the most memorable character pairings in literature and film are those that team the protagonist with what I like to call The Yappy Sidekick. Now, if this is giving you images of an obnoxious little runt running around after your purposeful and heroic lead and generally being a nuisance, while said hero is doing […]
June 3, 2012 by 9 Comments CharactersThe Two Conflict-Creating Needs of Every Character
In Frank Oz’s comedy What About Bob?, Bill Murray’s neurotic character sobs to his psychiatrist (who’s trying desperately to get rid of him), “Gimme, gimme, gimme! I need, I need, I need!” To some extent this is what every one of our characters should be internally screaming. We’re all familiar with the idea that the […]
