As you write your story, you may eventually hit points where things feel like they've stopped being interesting.

You may have the major events figured out by using your outline so you know how to get from Point A to B to Z, but sometimes when you are at those points, your characters may kind of run out of things to talk about or do.

How do we fix this?

Conflict.

What is conflict? Things going wrong. Or are about to go wrong…

Remember when we talked about characters being proactive, or taking initiative so that the events of the story are interesting because we get to see what they do when there are troubles?

The things they're reacting to are usually trying an effort to fix a problem (or avoiding something that could become a problem).

There may be a great big problem that they need to solve that is looming over the story, but it's going to take babysteps to get there…and those babysteps are going to be driven forward by handling problems that keep coming up.

If there is tension, then there is something to talk about or do, and it will be hard to hit the dreaded standstill where there's nothing going on.

What kind of problems can we introduce? And can we take a moment to feel a little sympathy for the characters out there who are constantly facing a tough time because of our imaginations?

There are several types of conflict we can have in a story.

1. The Big Problem

Usually our big problem is at least hinted at during the inciting incident and blooms into something bigger as the opening act develops. It's a driving force that causes our character to make steps and hopefully find a solution by the end of it.

But because the hero won't be in a place where they can find that solution until they reach the end of the story, it means sometimes they can stall out and not know what else to do.

So what else can we do to get them to the next part of the story?

2. Internal Conflict

When we start a story, our characters have flaws (or at least they should have some sort of problem that makes them interesting). It could be insecurity, or a character flaw like jealousy, or ego, or irrational fear.

And because of those issues, we can poke that button from time to time and prod them along by having them react to the thing that they struggle with. Getting our characters into trouble because of those flaws is a way to have events that will keep things interesting, at least in the short run.

We need to make sure that those problems aren't the major driving force, but instead are little interludes that remind us that the character still has to grow as a person too (besides solving the big problem of the story).

Very frequently, the things that they have to overcome within themselves being resolved are the thing that both mirrors the big bad problem, and either the hero needs to figure out the solution in order to figure out the big bad problem, OR solving the big bad problem unlocks the personal problem and sets them free.

3. The Ticking Clock

If we have something looming on the horizon the character knows is coming, but it's not coming immediately, it can be a big enough of a problem that it isn't the main problem...but it's something to focus on in the meanwhile.

We could have a test that is coming up that the character is worried about. Or a hurricane can be slowly approaching and they have to evacuate and make it to safety. Or the character needs to buy something and don't have the money yet so they need to do something to earn it and save up.

Deadlines that are approaching before the end of the story can be great for this and give you something to work toward.

4. Wants (and Hobbies)

A writing trick to make a character interesting and not having to always have everything be full of conflict is by having some low level or low stress stakes of giving a character a hobby they are trying to pursue.

Maybe they like stamp collecting and just really want to try and find a special stamp. Maybe they love to draw and need to find some art supplies or want to win an art competition or make a special gift for someone they love.

Not all conflict has to be a threat to their lives or some crazy big problem. Not all stories are like that, and there are some lower stakes problems that can be solved too, especially if you story is a calmer, more personal story.

The point is that we just need to make sure that something is happening that is motivating the characters to take action. That keeps us from kind of just floating around with the story meandering and us getting bored as writers (or readers).

One small warning, don't just throw something random at the characters for them to react to. If you're introducing new conflict into the story, just make sure it ties into something one of the characters want (or don't want), and it gives them a clear direction on what they should do next that will ultimately move them closer to the end of the story.

Activity: Wants and Problems

Make a list of all of the things your main character wants. Then come up with 3 reasons for each thing as to what is stopping them from getting those things.

One of those wants met with one of the problems can help jumpstart you back on track for what can happen next if you're feeling stuck.

Until next time!

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