Digging Deep to Uncover Your Story’s Conflicts by Jan Drexler

Jan Drexler

We’ve all been there. You’re two chapters into your next book, and the words are flowing. You love your hero and heroine and their first meeting sent sparks flying. Your secondary characters are a great supporting cast, and the story is off to a wonderful start.

Then, like a balloon losing air, your story starts sinking. You haven’t hit that proverbial writer’s block, but you can see it up ahead. You frown at the computer screen. You make another cup of tea.  You wander around the house, talking to the cat. You have no idea how to write the next chapter.

What happened?

When I reach this point it’s usually because my conflicts aren’t strong enough.

Oh, the external conflict is fine. That pending avalanche, or the cattle rustlers, or the banker’s threat to foreclose on the mortgage…there’s no problem there.

No, it’s the internal conflict. That part of your hero’s soul that is buried so deep that you haven’t taken the time or energy to ferret it out yet. And you don’t want to. It’s hard work to get to the root cause of why your hero is such a jerk – 

Wait! Did I just say my hero is a jerk? Hmm. I guess he is. That’s why sparks flew when he met my heroine. But it isn’t enough to say he has a long way to go before he meets the heroine’s expectations. You, as the author, need to dig deep. 

It’s time to start asking questions.

Why did meeting the heroine make the hero act like a jerk? Maybe she’s a strong woman who wouldn’t back down.

Why does a strong woman threaten him? Maybe he has this idea of the perfect woman, and she doesn’t come close.

Why isn’t his “perfect woman” strong? Maybe because his mother was gentle and caring…

Ah! We’re getting close. Maybe the hero’s mother died when he was a small boy, and his memories of her have been distorted and idealized. He doesn’t remember how strong she was when the wagon train got hit by a flash flood and his father was carried away and she was left alone, caring for our hero and his four siblings…. He only remembers being held close by his loving, gentle mother.

And his conflict with the strong heroine can only be resolved when he discovers two things: that his mother was a fighter, and that the heroine can be gentle, caring, AND strong.

Digging deep into our characters’ pasts help us understand the backstories that dictate their goals, their motivations, and their conflicts. Digging deep helps us create a strong inner conflict that keeps our characters fighting against all of our efforts to give them a happy ending…until they finally accept the change God is trying to work in their lives and they’re able to resolve the turmoil in their souls. 

Are you ready to get to work?

About the Author

Mattie's Pledge
by Jan Drexler

Jan Drexler brings a unique understanding of Amish traditions and beliefs to her writing. Her ancestors were among the first Amish, Mennonite, and Brethren immigrants to Pennsylvania in the 1700s, and their experiences are the inspiration for her stories. Jan lives in the Black Hills of South Dakota with her husband of more than thirty years, where she enjoys hiking in the Hills and spending time with their four adult children and new son-in-law.

Find her here:

Website: www.JanDrexler.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/JanDrexlerAuthor

Twitter: www.twitter.com/JanDrexler

And on Mondays at the Yankee-Belle Café: http://yankeebellecafe.blogspot.com

Mattie's Pledge
Mattie Schrock is no stranger to uprooting her life. Even as her father relocated her family from one Amish community to the next, she always managed to find a footing in their new homes. Now as the Schrock family plans to move west from Somerset County to a fledgling Amish settlement in Indiana, she looks forward to connecting with old friends who will be joining them from another Pennsylvania community—friends like Jacob Yoder, who has always held a special place in her heart. But when a handsome Englisher tempts her to leave the Amish behind to search for adventure in the West, will her pledge to Jacob be the anchor that holds her secure?

Characterization of Teens vs. Adults by Annette M. Irby

Student with laptop*

Have you ever written a character that wasn’t close to your own age? For instance, perhaps you’re thirty-eight, but your character is sixteen. Or you’re writing a twenty-something, but he’s coming across as fifteen?

Years ago, I had written a story with a female lead who came across to early readers as adolescent, but that’s not what I’d meant to portray. And at the time, I couldn’t always discern why she seemed so young. Then, recently, as I was editing a manuscript (not the earlier one), I saw a pattern in the character’s actions that brought up this adolescent vs. adult characterization. So, I brainstormed some differences between teens and adults. These are generalizations, but perhaps you'll find them helpful:

Teens overreact to situations, perhaps because they haven’t seen them before. Challenges feel like “the end of the world.”

Adults have weathered tough situations and know storms pass.

Teens tend to participate in and tolerate melodrama in their lives.

Adult generally prefer less drama.

In the lives of teenagers, there are lots of firsts (first job, first romance, first drive). So youthful characters would experience more wonder, less cynicism, more optimism.

Adults have more life experience. Adults can sometimes become cynical and pessimistic as they see evil patterns repeated over time.

Teens tend to judge.

Adults often overlook flaws more than teens do.

Teens tend to focus on externals. For example, one of the first requirements in romance might be appearance.

Adults generally search for internals. In romance, adults might look for character traits they now realize they need or prefer in their lives.

Teens generally aren’t cautious. They feel immortal, like risks, and perhaps have pride. They are independent, feeling the consequences of their actions only affect them. They tend to think “it’s all about me.”

Adults have matured. Life has humbled them. Since others (employers, spouses, children) are counting on them (more than in their youth), they tend to take fewer risks for the sake of others. “It’s about them.”

Teens don’t generally think long term. They make decisions for the situation they’re in, rather than consider how they’ll feel twenty or thirty years in the future. (Perhaps because they have only just begun thinking in terms of decades. They can’t imagine carrying a regret for a lifetime.)

Adults consider life decisions in terms of regrets, and the “test of time.”

Teens are still learning to be responsible (drivers, employees, stewards, etc.)

Adults have generally learned the value of responsibility.

Teens tend to shy away from unpleasant tasks, choosing procrastination. (Perhaps out of fear they won't have the necessary skills or know-how.)

Adults have learned how to reward themselves for tackling difficult jobs and the satisfaction of having them finished. Adults also tend to trust they'll have the capability (or resources) to finish the job.

Teens tend to think in terms of “black or white” (or, shall we say “red or green”).

Adults know there is always more than one side to every story.

Teens tend to go along with popular mindsets.

Adults analyze mindsets and develop their own set of beliefs.

Again, these are generalizations. For the twenty-something character, you could combine some of these traits because twenty-somethings are figuring out the world, and learning “responsible independence” for themselves. I hope this list helps when working on characterization.

Write on, friends.  

*photo credit: "Student" by Gualberto107 at freedigitalphotos.net

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Her Nerdy Cowboy

Her Nerdy Cowboy

Whoever heard of a bookish cowboy? When Logan McDaniel’s brother-in-law dies, he steps in to help his beloved sister run her ranch. But what does a city boy know of herding cattle? Claire Langley loved her cousin. After he dies, she agrees to serve as a temporary nanny for two heartbroken children. 

Claire and Logan find they share a love of books, and Claire can’t resist the nerdy uncle who is great with children, and who reads to her of pirate romance. Claire’s ailing mother needs her in Seattle. Can she break away? And if she does, can there ever be a future for Logan and her?

~~~~~ 

Annette M. Irby

Annette M. Irby has three published books and 

runs her own freelance editing business, AMI Editing. 

See her page here on Seriously Write for more information.

Visible Christianity

Marianne Evans

“You can praise God by peeling a spud, if you peel it to perfection. Don’t compromise. Compromise is the language of the devil.” Quote from the movie Chariots of Fire

“Do small things with great love.” Mother Teresa

“A Christian shoemaker does his duty not by putting little crosses on the shoes but by making good shoes.” Martin Luther

As I journey through Lent, I've been thinking a lot about my faith walk. My mission field as a writer encompasses a great deal of that focus. I tend to write about characters one might refer to as visible Christians. What does that mean? Well, they spend their lives as part of the public eye. When the spotlight shines, I discover they’re not only committed to their faith, they declare it with confidence.

I’m passionate about music and its impact on the spirit, so a number of my books center on musicians and singers, the agents and producers who help them ‘spread the Word.’ But what I’ve noticed as I create these stories is the underlying theme of being bold. Being courageous, even in the face of failure. Trusting God even in the face of self-doubt, or when they must live out the ideals they hold to when it’s difficult...when it hurts.

In a way, I wonder if God isn’t sending me along this writing path in answer to some of the disturbing trends I see in our information driven, media-saturated and increasingly (disturbingly) secular culture.

I see such a need a return to Christian truth and roots. I sense so many people crying out for better things than this world can ever deliver. I hope visible Christianity—in books, on TV, in the movies—will touch hearts and create a revolution.

Everything circles back to relationship. What can I do for God? How can I further His mercy and loving reach? Whether we’re in the mainstream media or not, each and every one of us are created special and precious. We all have a vital role to play in spreading the Gospel. We all have a responsibility to be…visible.

The quotes I’ve shared at the top of this post have helped me maintain focus as I come to realize I don’t have to do ‘huge’ things by the world’s standards. I need only to bloom where God places me, in the people he delivers to my life.

How about you? How are you choosing to live out your faith? How are you encouraging others toward God and Christ? I’m praying for you!

~~~~~

Click to tweet!

What’s a visible Christian?

Talking about faith in action at Seriously Write!

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Have you heard about the extraordinary event happening at Pelican Book Group? Throughout the season of Lent, every single e-book in their catalogue is FREE. No strings attached. From now until April 2nd, please download and enjoy these incredible Christian stories of all lengths and sub-genres. For more information, click right here: www.pelicanbookgroup.com.

Happy reading!

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Marianne Evans is a multi-award-winning author of Christian romance and fiction with over twenty titles to her credit. Her hope is to spread the faith-affirming message of God’s love through the stories He prompts her to create.

Readers laud her work as: ‘Riveting.’ ‘Realistic and true to heart.’ ‘Compelling.’ Devotion, earned the prestigious Bookseller’s Best Award from Greater Detroit RWA as well the Heart of Excellence Award from Ancient City Romance Authors. She also earned wins for Best Romance from the Christian Small Publisher's Association and the Selah award for best Novella.

Happily married and the mother of two, Marianne is a lifelong resident of Michigan who is active in a number of a number of Romance Writers of America chapters, most notably the Greater Detroit Chapter where she served two terms as President.

Connect with Marianne:

Website ~ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Amazon ~ Pinterest

The Road to Creating Great Characters by Kathryn Springer

Kathryn Springer

The Road to Creating Great Characters

By Kathryn Springer

Recently I had the absolute privilege to attend the Country Memories Farm Writing Conference in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, as a workshop leader. A beautiful setting, sweet fellowship with other writers, words that blessed and encouraged and. . . alpacas! Speaking anywhere is a gigantic leap out of my comfort zone, but for a girl who loves God’s creation, it was better than a day at the spa. :)

My topic was creating great characters because, well, because I love great characters! The books that line my “keeper” shelf (okay, shelves!) all have something in common. The characters became so real it was like making a new friend. And you keep your friends close, right?

The more you get to know a person, the more they reveal about themselves, which results in an emotional connection. It’s the same thing when it comes to our characters. We want the reader to get to know them. To bond with them. To remember them.

During the workshop, I shared some of my favorite ways to bring characters to life—habits and hang-ups (we all have them!) and the use of props.

Inward thoughts and feelings are usually expressed in outward behavior, so when it comes to your characters, make them count. Tie a habit to something in your character’s past. One of my heroines kept butterscotch candies in her pocket. When she was a little girl, her dad knew she struggled to control her temper so he doled these out to her with the rule that she couldn’t speak until it was gone—and she couldn’t chew it! It was a habit she carried into adulthood. She even knew how long it took for one to dissolve (6 minutes and 38 seconds!). When she and the hero clashed, she went through a lot of candy. In one humorous scene, she handed him a piece and by the end of the book, he was carrying his own private stash!

I brought a life-size, cardboard cut-out of Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz to use as a visual aide for the workshop. She’s holding a basket and her dog, Toto, and wearing the ruby slippers. They’re her standard “props,” aren’t they? But think about props in terms of character.

When the story opens, Dorothy is running away from Miss Gulch, who wants to do away with Toto. That basket is more than just a cute accessory—it reveals Dorothy’s heart. It symbolizes her desire to protect those she loves, even if it means putting herself in danger. On her way to Oz, you see that quality again when the Cowardly Lion bullies the Scarecrow. Dorothy puts her own fears aside and stands up to him.

Consider some of the props in great epic stories. Luke Skywalker’s lightsaber, King Arthur’s Excalibur, Frodo’s ring. Props can reveal a character’s dreams and goals and values. Their God-given gifts or abilities. Sometimes even their greatest fear.

Now think about props as they relate to your characters. Props can also represent a specific career. A musical instrument, a paintbrush, or a laptop computer. A gun if you’re writing suspense. A diary, a piece of jewelry, even a stray dog can be a prop.

Ask yourself what would happen if they lost it. What if it were taken away? Maybe the prop is holding them back from becoming the person God wants them to be. Maybe it’s going to save the world. . . or someone they love.

I hope some of these things got you thinking about your characters in a new way! Now, off to the kitchen to grab some chocolate. . . not that it’s a habit of mine. :) 

~~~~~~

Annette here: I love this advice! So, how about your characters? What kind of props have you given your characters, or could you give them?  

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USA Today bestselling author Kathryn Springer grew up in a small town in northern Wisconsin, where her parents published a weekly newspaper. As a child she spent hours at her mother’s typewriter, plunking out stories about horses that her older brother “published” (he had the stapler) for a nominal fee. Kathryn loves writing about imperfect people, small towns and a great big God.

When she isn’t at the computer, you’ll find her curled up (in the sun!) with a good book, spending time with her family and friends or walking the trails near her country home. 

~~~~~~

A September Bride

All Annie Price has ever wanted is a place to call home. So when an online friend offers her a fresh start managing a little bookstore in Red Leaf, Wisconsin, Annie packs her suitcase and says good-bye to her former lonely life.

Deputy Jesse Kent can't believe his mother has handed the keys to her bookshop to a woman she met on the internet. Annie might be vivacious, smart as a whip and beautiful—but what do they really know about her? Jesse has seen his mother taken advantage of before, and he decides to keep a close eye on Annie.

But when a close eye turns into a historical wedding reenactment with Jesse and Annie as the couple, make-believe nuptials quickly give way to real-life emotions. As the wedding approaches and Annie and Jesse's secrets some to light, the deputy has to face the truth: this wedding was just a ploy, but he might want Annie to be his September bride. . . for real.