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This week: Big Bang? Extreme Conflict or No Edited by: Dawn Embers  
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Conflict is a big factor in writing stories, short or long. There are many different levels of intensity and at times, one might wonder if their conflict is strong enough. When it comes to writing stories, conflict is a vital aspect to consider. |
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We all know that conflict is a rather important part of a story. Most of the time, we need to have characters and conflict to create something for the reader. Granted there are a few exceptions to that but not all that often will a story that lacks conflict be as successful. There are so many different options for the conflict between all of the different types and the levels of difficulty they present.
This newsletter isn't going to point out different options, so don't worry. Instead, I will admit to a question I have with my own novels and short stories. I have a fair number of novels started and a few with finished first drafts and each one has different conflicts. A couple of them, however, cause a little concern because I have to admit: I'm not sure the main conflict is big enough.
What do I mean by big enough?
Well, based off a number of published works I've read over the years, many of the speculative fiction ones (even in YA) have both the personal conflicts for the main character but there is also a bigger problem that goes beyond just the main character's life. Threats exists that would effect many within the story. Granted in full romance that might vary a little but even some of them can have a decent range of affect depending on the situation involved.
One of the first drafts I have, for example, gives me a little concern because the entire setting involves a village that is not connected to others due to the situations of their world. There are risks and dangers but at the same time, it all feels very small. I wonder if it's going to be enough of a conflict for people to enjoy. Monsters would make one think there is enough conflict but I had my doubts.
Aside from the speculative fiction ones, I'm also writing more contemporary young adult and there are no threats to the world or universe in those stories. The conflict is very focused on the main characters and not much beyond. And that's okay. Plus, to a teenager anything affecting them can be made into a huge drama, right? hehe
Back to the question at hand in relation to whether the plot/conflict is big enough... The real answer is, like often times, the size of the conflict will depend on your story. Some stories will be epic (like those in epic fantasy) in the threats to the characters and their worlds. Others, however, will be much smaller in scope. Doesn't make the story not interesting or mean it has less chance of success. Just means it's a different story.
Even I need to remember that some times. Including now as I start pondering NaNoWriMo options. November will be here soon. How big of a conflict will my story have? Guess we'll wait and find out in November.  |
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Do you ever wonder if the conflict is strong enough for the story?
Last time when I edited this newsletter I discussed different social media options.
Comment by CasualWriter~thanks, Anon! 
Tumblr? It is covered under blogs, I suppose? But I thought tumblr deserved a separate mention. Great NL! :)
- Thank you and to be honest, I don't really know much about tumblr as have never used it. I'm sure there are a few I missed in the March newsletter.
Comment by Quick-Quill 
I wish I were better at social media. I have a blog. I don't post often because I don't have much to say that I think others might want to know. If you're an author or writer, you should know how to write and whats Important. Most things I read on other blogs are informative in the manner the information is presented. Most of it I know. If I could write the perfect novel and have thousands read it, I'd be a successful author. Its the talent of writing a captivating story using all the methods you've learned.. Then hopefully twitter, facebook and bloggers will find you and read it.
- I need to work on mine too. It's like a non-paying part time job trying to keep up with it all.
Comment by A*Monaing*Faith 
You can follow big business/authors on SnapChat too, I only have it b/c an old friend uses it all the time.
- Thanks for the information. I find snapchat a bit weird but haven't had it for that long. Must use it to send sister pictures of her cat being cute around the house or me at the gym, lol.
Comment by jerics
LinkedIn and Facebook are two that I use. Although not very successful (so I thought) on Facebook I was going to close my account but surprisingly I received personal email through Facebook where a few people mentioned they like what I write because its a form of reality (basically). Thank you for this.
- Thank you. I just use facebook for family stuff, how I know what my grandma and family are doing cause yeah, my grandma is on facebook often. I have gotten invites to linked in but have never used it.
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For Authors: September 07, 2016 Issue [#7842]
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