Friday, July 22, 2011

Friday Round-Up - #166


Kay Marshall Strom tells us how to build a strong story in 3 steps.

Do you include these elements, which resemble the 3-act format? What suggestions would you give a newbie novelist?


8 comments:

Marja Verschoor-Meijers said...

"Strong story needs accelerating conflict." I never thought of that really...
Thanks for your Friday round-up Susan!

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Marja -

You're welcome.

Yes, we're told to get the characters in as much trouble as possible. :)

Blessings,
Susan

Nancy said...

That has always been a problem of mine. I don't like conflict and nasty stuff and it's hard to put my characters through it. Oh, well, take that - it's good for the story. You gotta do what you gotta do.

Karen Lange said...

Thanks for the link, Susan! I will check it out. I have good reason to, you know. :)

Blessings,
Karen

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Nancy -

Most of the books we read, even romances, have a strong dose of conflict. They mirror real-life situations.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Karen -

LOL! Yes, one of our characters is stirring up quite a lot of conflict.

Talk to you soon.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Kathleen said...

ANYTHING with but 3 steps has my vote! And any life, or story without conflict is downright dull (though there are days I'd prefer NO conflicts).

Blessings,
Kathleen

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Sassy -

I agree. A novel without conflict brings out the yawns.

Everyone knows I'm a SOTP writer, but I've learned to combine some plotting with my free-wheeling ways. :)

Blessings,
Susan