I’ve been judging romance contest entries again. I have found several mistakes that I continue to see over and over. Interested in knowing what they are? Well, I am only going to cover one in this article – conflict. I’m not talking about your garden variety arguing, bickering or fighting. That’s not the kind of conflict I’m talking about. I’m talking about floods, deaths, commitments, fears, love, ambition. The list goes on. Without conflict life might be easier, but it certainly wouldn’t be as interesting.
Obviously, conflict motivates your characters as well. They have to have a plan of action but then something gets in their way. Give your characters strong goals to work on through the book. An author just can’t tell a story about this or that. Let’s face it, we all can’t be Seinfeld. But even on that show the characters are going to do something and then an event happened. The important part to remember is that life doesn’t just happen. Head your characters in a direction and then throw a bucket of water at them.
There are three main types of conflict you can toss at your characters: circumstantial, personal and relationship conflict. Let’s discuss each one:
1. CIRCUMSTANTIAL. What circumstances are your characters going to be involved in? Are you going to fling them into the path of a hurricane? Involve them in a car wreck? Maybe their circumstances are of a personal nature. Maybe a grandfather dies and leaves his granddaughter the family farm but not without conditions. Maybe your character wants to leave town but can’t because someone is trying to stop him. These circumstances must disrupt the lives of your characters. It changes their course. It creates urgency to the situation. It keeps the book moving, and it is usually where the book begins. Something happens to change the life of your character and the conflict just continues.
2. PERSONAL. Who doesn’t have personal problems? Your characters should too. You should know your characters inside and out – their actions, emotions, dreams, past experiences, fears, likes and dislikes. You might not use every detail in the book, but we are, after all, what we’ve experienced in our lives. You need to know what makes all of your characters tick, what motivates them, and what baggage they carry around that makes them who they are. You must figure out what it is that drives your characters. Fear, love, excitement, greed, or hate?
In most of the entries I’ve judged, the characters wander around letting whatever occurs to them be their life. How often does that happen in real life? Your characters have to have goals just like we do. For example: Your character has a big presentation at work. He needs to go to a meeting and persuade his clients to buy Brand X. If they sign with him, he will get a raise and he will be able to buy his parent’s property out from under his conniving, greedy brother.
Great! Your character has goals – the presentation, getting to work on time, making the presentation, getting the raise, buying the house before his brother. It is then the author’s job to put conflict in his way. For example: His boss forgot to tell him the meeting has been moved up to tomorrow morning. He spills milk all over the presentation and then the power goes out before he can reprint it. His annoying neighbor dropped her cell phone in the toilet so she comes over to borrow his, and he can’t get rid of her. He goes out to his car and it has a flat. He steals a car to get to the meeting because nothing or no one is going to stop him from pinching his parent’s property out from under his brother.
Whoa! Now you know just what kind of character you really have. See all that conflict? See all the situations your character will need to make decisions about? The choices they make will be affected by the character’s beliefs, emotional state and past baggage. This is the bread and butter of writing. It is all of this conflict that will lead you down the road to your character’s epiphany. Yes, I said epiphany. Yeah, I didn’t know what it was at first either. When your character works through all the conflict, he will come to some sort of conclusion – an epiphany. In our story, the character will probably come to the conclusion that it was not worth killing his brother over.
The main conflict I see missing in the contest entries I’ve read is the personal conflict. In our example, it’s what made the character so willing to steal in order to keep the property from his brother. It’s that internal conflict you find going on within yourself over certain issues. Your character’s need it too. Use all five, and even sixth, senses to let your character experience life.
3. RELATIONSHIP. Is there a person on this planet that doesn’t have issues with at least one other person? Give your characters that kind of conflict as well. Whether it is a mean villain or the next-door neighbor, there is always going to be human conflict. In a romance there has to be a conflict of relationship between the hero and heroine that keeps them from getting together.
This type of conflict includes: different values, different ambitions, money, egos, mental issues, prejudices, etc. Here are some more specific examples: He’s a cop and she’s been accused of a crime. He’s driven by loyalty to his family but she wants him to give up the family business to live in Paris as an artist. He’s consumed with revenge against the Ewings and she’s a Ewing.
Relationship conflict doesn’t just happen in romances. It separates families, friends, business partners, and even countries.
So there you have it. Conflict. Those are pretty complicated webs your characters are weaving, but what a fantastic story it will be. Remember with each scene you write, you need to include at least one type of conflict that will advance the story along the plot line.
Cindy A. Christiansen is a multi-published author and a member of Romance Writers of America. She teaches on-line workshops on writing romance novels. To find out more, visit her website here.
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I would like to thank TiredOfYourWeight@WhosTheNextIdiot.com for the email you just sent reminding me that I’m overweight. How did you find me? Were you there when I used emergency money to buy girl scout cookies? When I dove between the sofa cushions because I thought I saw a French fry? When I ran past you in my bathing suit at the pool and took out three toddlers? How do you people know that I want to lose weight, need money transferred from Nigerian royalty, and have been looking everywhere for a fake Rolodex? Baffling.
So, Mister TiredOfYourWeight, I appreciate that you took time in the middle of the night to send me this urgent email to share your weight loss secret that is sure to revolutionize the world and to give me the opportunity to buy into it before anyone else. I am flattered that you spend so much time and energy caring about strangers. I wish you would spend the same amount of time learning to spell and removing the strands of gibberish in your heartfelt message which, until I speak in tongues, I am unable to translate. I’m sure you mean well, but I don’t need the revolutionary answer to instant weight loss. You see, I already know the answer, and have known it for years. In fact, it really hasn’t been much of a secret since 4th grade biology. Eat less than you are, exercise more than you are, and you will lose weight. Shocking I know. Knowing what to do isn’t the secret. It’s doing it.
You see, I would rather drink lumpy shakes made out of goat’s urine, strap thirty pounds of spandex to my body, and spend thousands on hairdos, clothes, and accessories guaranteed to make me look a size smaller. I would rather have my colon flushed and take diet pills that cause hair loss, fainting spells, and the unavoidable explosive diarrhea. But don’t make me eat vegetables - that’s just gross. I want those programs where you actually pay more to eat less. I would rather spend hours reading manuals from experts claiming it’s not the quantity but the combinations of foods- just don’t mix the brown Snickers with the tan French fries and you’re fine.
I want to sit around perplexed saying, “But I don’t eat that much” and convince myself that I must have some rare thyroid condition and that everybody’s order contains the word Supersize. I want to buy exercise tapes that I’m too lazy to open and fancy treadmills to hold my plants, rather than park at the back of the parking lot and take the stairs. I am not interested in the kind of exercise where I am involved. I don’t even want to get up to change the TV. I once watched a twenty-four hour Valerie Bertinelli marathon because I couldn’t find the remote. I would rather sit around with a group of other overweight people and have them tell me size doesn’t matter and look at skinny people in disgust and hope they’re miserable.
So I do know the secret to weight loss, Mr. TiredOfYourWeight. Perhaps if you could come up with a revolutionary way to do the things we don’t want to do. Now that I would read. So thanks but no thanks. I would, however, be interested in a way to earn a million in a week without ever having to get dressed or leave my house. Do you have a cousin who does that?
Professional Speaker Kelly Swanson is an award-winning author and comedian who delivers clean side-splitting keynotes and break-out sessions. Her heartwarming messages about staying on the “funny side of life,” will inspire, motivate, and teach you the importance of cultivating healthy personal and professional relationships. Kelly has opened for Loretta Lynn, performed on Holland America Cruise Lines, and was a featured artist at the Best of Our State Festival and the National Storytelling Festival. Our State Magazine calls her “One of North Carolina’s Funniest Women.” Kelly Swanson, Humorist - Powerful Message, Outrageously Funny. Visit Kelly at http://www.kellyswanson.net or email kelly@kellyswanson.net.
This book excerpt entitled How to Work With Your Boss by Their Astrology Sign comes from Gary Goldschneider’s Everyday Astrology by Gary Goldschneider.
ARIES
March 21-April 20
Strengths: Inspiring, Dynamic, Trailblazing
Weaknesses: Unheeding, Stressed, Unaware
Interactive Style: Confrontational, Commanding, Blunt
The Aries Boss
Aries bosses are born leaders, so there will be little doubt as to their wishes concerning the direction the group should take. Explicit, clear, and demanding, these fiery individuals will ask for every ounce of commitment and energy their employees can muster, and then some. Because they are so comfortable in this role, they are eager to make decisions and see them implemented. True individuals, they naturally respect individuality in others and are surprisingly open to and even expectant of their employees acting on their own, once they understand what is expected of them.
TAURUS
April 21-May 21
Strengths: Stable, Attentive, Careful
Weaknesses: Bossy, Inflexible, Insensitive
Interactive Style: Concerned, Instructive, Explicit
The Taurus Boss
Many people have described the Taurus personality as bossy. Indeed, the Taurus boss is comfortable in this role, but prefers to stay behind the scenes and let things run smoothly on their own. This, of course, assumes that employees have been well coached and know what to expect from a Taurus boss. Such assumptions are not always justified, although Taurus bosses usually take the time and trouble to spell out how they want their employees to proceed. Rules and regulations are usually kept to a minimum but are written in stone, at least as far as the Taurus boss is concerned.
GEMINI
May 22-June 21
Strengths: Lively, Communicative, Interesting
Weaknesses: Distracted, Superficial, Nervous
Interactive Style: Forward, Adaptable, Logical
The Gemini Boss
Most Geminis are not comfortable giving orders or running an organization day to day. They are basically types who enjoy being part of a team and sharing experiences on an equal level. Thus, although they are quite capable of taking on the work involved in being bosses, they are not born leaders themselves and would much prefer to hang back and let things run on their own. Gemini bosses are very good at delegating authority, relying on a few capable employees to oversee the activities of their company. Such individuals are usually well rewarded and given a wide range of responsibilities. However, the Gemini boss likes to make the final decisions on all important matters.
CANCER
June 22-July 22
Strengths: Low-key, Easy, Harmonious
Weaknesses: Overly demanding, Expectant, Particular
Interactive Style: Persuasive, Feeling, Empathic
The Cancer Boss
It can be a mistake to deny or underestimate the dominant qualities of the Cancer boss. Extremely particular about how things are done, Cancer bosses can be very demanding, albeit in a low-key manner. They expect their employees to understand their wishes and even to anticipate them. It is not so much rules and orders that count most for Cancer bosses, but the fact that everyone is on the same emotional wavelength. Not fond of trouble, Cancer bosses want things to run smoothly, and this fact underlies the importance of their dominance being unquestioned rather than power tripping, per se.
LEO
July 23-August 23
Strengths: Fair, Proud, Commanding
Weaknesses: Egotistical, Power hungry, Self-centered
Interactive Style: Friendly, Open, Generous
The Leo Boss
Born leaders, Leos exult in assuming the top positions of any company. Ownership is not the most important thing for them, however — so as long as they are CEOs or directors, they are happy to be employees. Leo bosses try to be fair and impartial, succeeding in doing so as long as their authority is not questioned nor their job threatened. As they see it, they are simply representing everyone under them, trying to get them the best possible salaries, working conditions, opportunities for advancement, and benefits. Leos take great pride in their work, so when the company is being congratulated by stockholders, boards of directors, or owners, they are happy to accept for everyone else.
VIRGO
August 24-September 22
Strengths: Pragmatic, Realistic, Matter-of-fact
Weaknesses: Unresponsive, Unsympathetic, Cold
Interactive Style: Literal, Concise, Economical
The Virgo Boss
Virgo bosses are highly pragmatic and are generally realists. Thus the intent or ideals behind your actions are not nearly as important to them as the results. Facts and figures play a large role in their thinking, so be sure you have these at your fingertips when you are summoned to their offices. Excuses will be accepted only if they can be backed up with logic and acceptable evidence. Do not seek to arouse Virgo bosses’ sympathy or understanding, and keep your interactions as unemotional as possible. Virgo bosses highly value their time, as well as yours, so try not to waste it in idle banter.
LIBRA
September 23-October 22
Strengths: Popular, Charismatic, Likeable
Weaknesses: Conceited, Needy, Self-defeating
Interactive Style: Agreeable, Charming, Magnetic
The Libra Boss
The only things Libra bosses value more than being liked by their employees is being well liked by them. This intense need for popularity often betrays them and can even undermine their efforts. Instead of keeping their eye on the ball and striving for positive results, too often they are interested in their own personal gratification. At times their need for admiration seems boundless; those who know this are able to manipulate them through alternately giving and withholding praise. The struggle of Libra bosses to create successful companies is often against that most difficult of enemies — themselves.
SCORPIO
October 23-November 21
Strengths: Well-directed, Protective, Powerful
Weaknesses: Inflexible, Unforgiving, Harsh
Interactive Style: Serious, Hard-driving, Dominant
The Scorpio Boss
Scorpio bosses are serious individuals — hard-driving and dedicated to the company’s success. Consequently, they set extremely high standards for their employees and expect them to give the very best they have on a daily basis. Scorpios do not accept excuses for shoddy or slipshod work, preferring a frank admission of failure over attempts to explain it away. Powerful and dominant, Scorpio bosses sit in the driver’s seat at all times and do not allow their colleagues and fellow workers to question or undermine their authority. When reporting to their superiors or owners of the business, they seek to protect their own employees from unreasonable demands and insist on adequate and often abundant reward for their workers’ dedicated efforts.
SAGITTARIUS
November 22-December 21
Strengths: Intuitive, Forceful, Quick
Weaknesses: Uncommunicative, Unclear, Unsympathetic
Interactive Style: Independent, Individualistic, Impulsive
The Sagittarius Boss
Because of their high degree of independence and individualism, Sagittarius bosses are not always suited to this role. Sagittarians are prone to go off suddenly and often precipitously in their own direction under a full head of steam, so it may be difficult for their employees to keep up with them. Furthermore, they may not take the time to communicate their thoughts clearly to other members of the company, preferring to let their own actions speak for themselves. Not really team players, Sagittarius bosses assume command and then follow their hunches rather than carefully mapping out a campaign and relegating duties carefully.
CAPRICORN
December 22-January 20
Strengths: Dominant, Determined, Self-assured
Weaknesses: Insensitive, Unheeding, Stubborn
Interactive Style: Authoritarian, Commanding, Firm
The Capricorn Boss
Capricorns are dominant personalities, and therefore bosses born under this sign will want to be obeyed without question. Moreover, they will insist on maintaining their position as bosses of the department or company, and under no circumstances will they allow you or anyone else to undermine their authority. “Never outshine the master” is a good rule to follow when working for a Capricorn boss. Not necessarily hungry for advancement, Capricorn bosses are more likely to hang onto their rung on the corporate ladder having once reached and, in most cases, intending to remain at that level as long as possible.
AQUARIUS
January 21-February 19
Strengths: Quick, Bright, Open
Weaknesses: Impatient, Erratic, Elusive
Interactive Style: Immediate, Unpredictable, Ungovernable
The Aquarius Boss
Since Aquarians are not particularly suited to be bosses, they are, generally speaking, rather few and far between. There are several reasons for this, among them their erratic and impulsive behavior, need to act on their own, lightning-quick moves, and general disinterest in holding power over others or setting up a dynasty. That said, if you have an Aquarius boss, at least you have been forewarned. Actually, they are often fun to work with (when you can catch up to them) and treat their employees quite generously. Their impatience is legendary, so do not try their quick tempers or frustrate them with your absence or tardiness when they really need you in the clutch.
PISCES
February 20-March 20
Strengths: Affluent, Fluid, Empathic
Weaknesses: Easily manipulated, Oversensitive, Overprotective
Interactive Style: Relaxed, Adaptable, Influential
The Pisces Boss
For some strange reason Pisces are thought of as being bad with money. Yet in history, and also in one’s own circle of friends, money seems to come easiest to those born under this sign. In the same way, a Pisces boss too frequently invokes the mistaken picture of an ultra-relaxed and indecisive fish flopping out of its depth, but in fact those born under this sign frequently make excellent bosses, even dynasty builders. Money making comes quite naturally to them, as it is a fluid medium that they totally understand, and nurturing Pisces bosses are more than capable of guarding the interests of their businesses and employees, bringing profit to all concerned.
The above is an excerpt from the book Gary Goldschneider’s Everyday Astrology by Gary Goldschneider. The above excerpt is a digitally scanned reproduction of text from print. Although this excerpt has been proofread, occasional errors may appear due to the scanning process. Please refer to the finished book for accuracy.
©2009 Gary Goldschneider, author of Gary Goldschneider’s Everyday Astrology, Quirk Books
Gary Goldschneider, author of Gary Goldschneider’s Everyday Astrology, is an astrologer and the author of several best-selling books, including The Secret Language of Birthdays, The Secret Language of Relationships, and The Secret Language of Destiny. He has studied astrology for forty years and frequently lectures and writes on the subject. An accomplished pianist and composer, he has performed in concerts and recitals worldwide. He lives in Amsterdam, where he writes a regular astrology column for AvantGardemagazine. Visit him on the Web at mypersonology.com and goldschneider.com.
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This Be My Guest author article is by Roberta Lee M.D, author of The SuperStress Solution
If you love chocolate, you’re not alone. It turns out that the average person in the United States consumes approximately 12 pounds of chocolate a year. That might sound like a lot of chocolate, but I actually recommend that my patients — especially those who are chronically stressed or what I would describe as SuperStressed — indulge in 1 ounce of high quality and high cocoa mass chocolate a day, and that actually adds up to well more than 12 pounds over the course of the year. Sure, chocolate is a calorie laden food (with most of the calories coming from the cocoa butter), but in my opinion, the benefits of this treat outweigh the caloric load as long as you keep the portions small. Here are the benefits:
Of course, there’s also ample consumer-proven evidence that chocolate tastes good, and that eating it can provide a little respite — an oasis of pleasure and calm — from our otherwise hectic days! And to me, that’s what’s so special about this sweet treat. I find chocolate has the ability to enhance sensory recruitment in every way. It’s so inexpensive to have a piece of chocolate and it’s so pleasurable, that if that’s something you like and that’s part of what living well is about, I say: go for it. The ideal cocoa mass is 75% or more — this will be clear on the label and is most often found in dark chocolate — and the ideal portion is 1 ounce (about 1/3 of an average bar or roughly the size of the palm of a woman’s hand). Doctor’s orders!
| To reduce stress, and avoid SuperStress, try this today:
Simple as it sounds; focused breathing — during which you think about your breath as you inhale and exhale — is a very effective stress-management technique. A slow, full breath triggers physical and cognitive changes that promote relaxation. Deep breathing helps release tension and anxiety and is a great energizer because the deeper the breath, the more your body is flooded with life-fueling oxygen. A full breath begins with the diaphragm pushing downward so that the stomach extends out. As your lungs fill with air, your chest expands. When you exhale, the reverse occurs — your chest settles first and then your stomach.
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Copyright © 2009 Roberta Lee M.D., author of The SuperStress Solution
Roberta Lee, M.D., author of The SuperStress Solution, is vice chair of the Department of Integrative Medicine, director of Continuing Medical Education, and co-director of the Fellowship in Integrative Medicine at Beth Israel’s Continuum Center for Health and Healing at Beth Israel Medical Center in New York City. Dr. Lee attended George Washington University Medical School and is one of the four graduates in the first class from the Program of Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona conducted by Andrew Weil, M.D.
For more information please visit www.superstresssolution.com