No matter whether you’re writing a character-driven or plot-driven story, comedy, drama or tragedy, it’s the characters that readers follow. And to keep those characters moving and growing, you need conflict. Conflict can be big or small, come from outside or inside, but it must be challenging. When story gurus tell students to chase their characters up a tree then throw stones at them, they’re talking about conflict. Conflict not only drives stories forward, it helps readers learn who the characters are by the decisions and actions they make. Conflict makes the story go round!

In this class, you’ll learn about developing well-rounded, fully realized characters, the importance of conflict, types of conflict and how to use it to make your stories better.

TAKE THIS CLASS IF

• You’re writing a novel for any age group.
• You’re interested in writing compelling characters.
• You want your readers to keep turning pages no matter which genre you’re writing.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

Samantha M. Clark is the author of the novel The Boy, The Boat, and the Beast. Samantha is the regional advisor for the Austin chapter of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators.