Components of a Story

Conflict

Two people fighting at sundown
Components of a Story

The Anatomy of Action: How to Write a Fight Scene

Fight scenes are what some readers live for, but writing them can be tough. Let's dissect how to write a fight scene in your novel.

Building the big bad: conflict and your novel
Components of a Story

Building the Big Bad: Don't Forget the External Conflict in Your Novel

Conflict. It’s the lifeblood of any story. Without it, all you’ve got is a bunch of people wandering around aimlessly. Conflict is the source of tension, excitement, suspense, and drama. It drives your plot, gives your characters motivation, and sometimes allows you to hold up a mirror to the world. 

A person carrying a backpack looks out over snow-covered wilderness.
Components of a Story

Character/Man vs. Nature: Exploring the Wildest Story Conflict

What happens when your character's greatest antagonist is nature itself? Some pretty thrilling storytelling, usually. Here's everything you need to know to write a nail-biting character vs. nature conflict.

Two brown goats butting heads.
Components of a Story

How Do You Write a Conflict in a Story? Let's Fight About It

Conflict is central to every story you write, but actually writing that conflict is tough. No need to fight for information, we've got all you need to write conflict!

Blurred image of woman in gray turtleneck, grabbing her hair in stress.
Components of a Story

Stress Your Readers Out: How to Write Tension in a Story

Tension is such a powerful tool in gluing your readers to your book, but only if you know what you're doing. In this article, we discuss what you need to write killer tension.

Angry Warriors Holding Weapons while Looking at the Camera
Components of a Story

How to Write The Perfect Sword Fight

There are few things as thrilling to read as a well-composed sword fight. But there are few things as complex, too. In this article, we cover all you need to know to write some incredible fight scenes with swords (or other melee weapons).

A person sits on the floor covering their face, appearing to struggle with an internal conflict.
Components of a Story

5 Types of Internal Conflict That Never Fail to Intrigue

Five types of internal conflict, endless story possibilities. Learn how to weave a compelling inner battle into your next novel.

Woman biting pencil while sitting in a chair in front of a laptop.
Components of a Story

Great Examples of Internal Conflict (And Why They Matter)

Internal conflict is essential for a great story, but what makes great internal conflict? In this article, we dissect what you need for a character's inner struggle and look at some examples of incredible internal conflict in media.

A small action figure on a table.
Components of a Story

Don’t Be Conflicted About the Four Types of Story Conflict

Conflict is what makes books worth reading. Join us as we explore the four types of conflict you can use to make you story memorable!