Conflict is at the heart of all stories. It’s what makes a novel move, drives plot, and develops character. Though we may want to avoid conflict in real life, it must be in our fiction. Faulkner said that all stories are about the human heart in conflict with itself (inner conflict). And Kurt Vonnegut said we must be sadistic with our characters so we can see what they’re made of –which hints at the numerous unpleasant situations we can put a character through:

Conflict with loved ones and ones not loved
Conflict with society, nature, technology, the supernatural

Conflict, on the surface, keeps the reader turning pages and, down deep in the story, develops what it’s all about. We will identify and discuss different kinds of conflict and how to use them in novels and stories. Bring something to write with and on.

About the instructor: 

Brian Yansky is the author of five published YA novels and over a dozen short stories for adults. His last three novels were published by Candlewick Press (Utopia, Iowa, 2015; Homicidal Aliens and Other Disappointments, 2013; Alien Invasion and Other Inconveniences, 2010.) His stories have been published in Literal Latte, The Crescent Review, and other literary magazines. He teaches writing at Austin Community College.