Writing
has been a mammoth journey for this thankful author. Begun as a way to overcome
grief and live within a story, it has come to mean so much more. It’s meant new
friendships, new opportunities and a chance to learn so much for which I will
be forever grateful. Today I want to discuss the topic of conflict and
suspense.
To
quote James Scott Bell from the book Conflict
and Suspense: “Fiction is not reality! Fiction is the stylized rendition of
reality for an emotional effect.” He goes on to explain how to bring the type
of conflict and suspense to a novel that will keep readers turning the pages,
the necessary wanted outcome for any writer who truly wants readership. Because
as so many authors have put it in one way or another, reality is boring, it’s
not drama and has to be avoided at all costs. As Hitchcock’s axiom holds true
that a great story is life with all the dull parts removed. Life can be boring
written word-for-word, fiction should not be.
And
how to keep the boring bits out? Frustration is key. As Julie Eberhart Painter
as so astutely put it, “Everything that can go wrong, should go wrong.” As a
way of turning the character back from what he or she wants or expects you add
the dynamic of every scene.
Of
course, the crux of your story is confrontation between the hero or lead and
the force or forces that oppose them. One great example is Randle Patrick
Murphy versus Nurse Ratched in One Few
Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.
And
what is great conflict without great characters. Your characters need grit, wit
and it (magnetism) to have staying power. They must emotionally resonate with
your readers. Give them unusual quirky qualities if you want them remembered.
Remember, no human is perfect. Far from it!
In
a way a novel is about death for the best dramatic effect. Real imminent death
or professional death or in the case of most romance novels, psychological
death. This is what resonates with your fellow humans.
I have a new cover to
share with you as well!
Book one in the Irish Mafia Kings series
Blood for blood. Her family killed my brother, so I’ll take their princess.
I’m Quinn Lyons, Irish Mafia King, a man
known for getting what he wants, and I want her, Aria Byrne. I’m going to make her pay
for her family’s sins.
I didn’t intend to snatch her from her fancy
engagement party, just kill her rival mobster father, but plans change in the
heat of the moment. Now she’s mine to claim and possess, because what better
bargaining chip could a Mafia boss have than the beloved princess of a rival
family?
Until I decide I don’t ever want to let her
go.
Coming in March 2024 from Totally Bound Publishing.
*Wishing you a lovely day!
Hugs,
January Bain Storyteller
2 comments:
Great post, January. Those quotes are so true.
Major congrats on your latest - awesome title and cover. I want that guy for Xmas. :)
Thanks, Tina! I hope you're having a lovely day?! Talk soon!
Hugs,
January
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