CONFLICT IS THE KEY TO HOLDING A READER’S ATTENTION, without it there is no story.
- Never make it easy, there must be a risk factor, something important at stake in order to create tension.
- Conflict must escalate, don’t let up on the main character. There must be complications that grow progressively worse until the climax and resolution.
- Hit the ground running and don’t look back. Your opening should give the reader a feel for the type of story it will be and introduce a conflict. It will likely change as the story progresses but the change will be logical, a result of the actions of the characters.
- A ticking clock never hurts. Give the main character time pressure and the stakes will automatically rise, creating tension.
- Don’t ever pull back. Put your characters to the test. Let the best and the worst come out of them, but always make sure the motivations are clear.
- Motivations must be in keeping with the characters. Make them clear up front and consistent.
SOME WRITING RULES TO FOLLOW
DO NOT WAIT UPON THE MUSE
GET RID OF PERFECTIONIST BLOCK
DON`T FALL IN LOVE WITH YOUR WORDS
COME TO CLASS
READ YOUR WORK OUT LOUD
ATTEND READINGS OR BOOK SIGNINGS
WRITE, WRITE, WRITE !!!
(This post was originally published on our old web platform.)
— Christine
robeccaaustin.com 
Do not fall in love with your words is so true. Prepare to lose them all. Yes, it’s gut wrenching but one must remember they are writing for an audience.
Great stuff as always.
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I’d like to think the first draft is for me and once I start editing, it’s for the audience. I also think preparing to lose your words can be a hard concept for new creators.
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Thank you Bryan, as authors we have to develop a thick skin and not think too highly of ourselves.
cc
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