Comments on: Where’s Your Conflict?

By: Pooja

Pooja — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 07:03:18 +0000

I write blog posts for startups and small businesses. My posts are quite precise and hardly generate a second contradicting opinion. I try create interest/drama by asking questions and then answering them. Does this come under conflict as well?

By: Eric Normand

Eric Normand — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 18:46:35 +0000

I’m also trying to build conflict and tension into my blog posts. But I don’t want to put it in just to have it. I want the conflict to really feed the understanding of my blog post. You mentioned news stories including conflict. I’m sick and tired of listening to news that is made exciting when it really shouldn’t be. I know it’s part of the trade–making any story interesting to the reader. But I’d like to avoid that, if possible. There’s plenty of conflict in my life, in my mind, and in my ideas as it is.

By: Cory Chase

Cory Chase — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 14:33:04 +0000

Great topic, James.

Conflict is a fantastic way to keep readers interested, and it can give fantastic insight into the telling of a real-life situation — but I, for one, have a really hard time incorporating it into blog posts. It can often paint either myself or those around me (employers, clients or loved ones) in a negative light and that fuzzy line of culpability often prompts me to strip my ideas back to something much more neutral (read: boring).

Any advice for the new and risk-adverse blogger?

By: Suzannah-Write It Sideways

Suzannah-Write It Sideways — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 20:58:45 +0000

James,

Conflict is such a fundamental element of fiction, you’d think writers wouldn’t forget to include it. And yet, it happens all the time.

If I were to put on my ‘teacher hat,’ I’d say outlining can help you work conflict into your story.

Creating a chart with (a) the character’s goal/mission, and (b) the events that prevent the character from reaching their goal, could be beneficial.

I know many writers hate outlines, but I believe they’re one of the best things you can do for your writing.

Thanks :)