How to get passed my own conflict and discomforts? What aren't I writing? If I put my character in an embarrassing position, it's hard to push through because it might be a situation I'd never find myself in and avoid. Personally, I'm a peaceful person who dislikes confrontation, so putting my characters in a situations I'd avoid is particularly hard for me, yet it's necessary. Every story needs conflict, and sometimes it's at the expense of the character. I think I must block out anything uncomfortable. What I'm saying, yet not writing, is conflict is a personal thing.
An exercise I could try would be to write about every avoidable conflict I can think of without offering my character a hand. No help from this author, no siree.
How about anyone else? How do you overcome avoidance due to your own personality?
Hmmm, I've never thought of it that way. I have no trouble writing open conflict - loud arguments, violence, etc. - although I'm not a confrontational person. Or maybe that's why I can write violence...because I haven't lived with it. But I do have trouble putting characters I particularly like in situations of embarrassment or humiliation. I've certainly been there once or twice. Interesting. Have to think about this one.
ReplyDeleteAn interesting thought that I never considered. I usually don't have trouble writing the conflicts of my characters, although I have been struggling with a battle scene. My book has two in it and I just haven't figured out how to write them. Well I'm sure it will come to me someday.
ReplyDeleteI'm the same way sort of. I don't like being involved in conflicts. However, as you mentioned, as writer's we have to write situations that we wouldn't necessarily get ourselves into. Conflict is hard for a lot of writers, but I've heard many authors say to have your character go through the worst thing the reader could imagine. I guess there isn't any way to avoid it, since you have to be emotional while writing the scene so your readers can have those same feelings as they're reading... but I love your idea on writing about every avoidable conflict you can think of. I may try that. =)
ReplyDeleteGreat post!
Tessa
I have the same problem! Non-confrontational writer trying to write a whole lot of suspense. I think the trick is to go back and recognize areas where the tension can be increased. I ask myself, "What's the worst that can logistically happen here?" Then writing it well is a whole other story... lol!
ReplyDeleteGreat to find your blog! There is some wonderful information here. :o)
Cheers,
Jackee