WHAT'S YOUR CONFLICT? 

Conflict is the breath of a story. Without it, a character simply goes through the motions of a motionless life. How do you create a breathtaking conflict? Drop your character in front of an obstacle. 

Will she kick its butt? Or will it smack him down to the cold harsh ground? Readers don't know, and that's why they turn the page. 

Peruse the first chapter summaries below. Then choose the question that best breathes life into the story. 

1.  A famous old actor dies alone. His executor later finds a love letter that was never sent, addressed to "My Beloved." What's the best conflict?

   a) Will the executor forgive the old man for keeping secrets?
   b) Will the executor appear on Oprah?
   c) Will the executor search for "My Beloved." 

2.  A college genius is hit by a drunk driver eight weeks before her graduation. In the blink of an eye, she becomes a paraplegic. What's the best conflict?

   a) Will she seek revenge? 
   b) Will she have a normal life?    
   c) Will she get a dog? 

3.  A gynecologist develops a twisted obsession with an attractive patient. After work each day, he drives to her home, hides in the bushes and watches her through the windows. What's the best conflict?

   a) Will he seduce her? 
   b) Will he get caught?
   c) Will he sell tickets?  

4.  A middle-aged couple buy an RV and hit the road in hopes of saving their marriage. What's the best conflict?

   a) Will they rekindle their love?
   b) Will they reach the Pacific Coast?
   c) Will they meet interesting people?

5.  A forensic scientist travels to a small town to solve a supernatural murder. While there, he becomes interested in the victim's daughter. What's the best conflict?

   a) Will he see ghosts and other scary stuff?
   b) Will he get the girl?
   c) Will he solve the supernatural murder?

1.  C. The breath of this story is the letter. The executor must search high and low and in between to find its recipient, and deliver it. 

2.  B. The breath of this story is basic survival. The girl must surmount her physical obstacles before she can tackle the distant ones. 

3.  B. The breath of this story is the act of stalking. Since it's a crime, and a lousy way to treat patients, the doctor must eventually get caught. 

4.  A. The breath of this story is the relationship. The couple must either rediscover their lovey-dovey ways or dial up a couple of divorce attorneys. 

5.  C. The breath of this story is the murder. Who or what committed it? If a forensic scientist can't figure it out, all hope for mankind is lost.