Write Fiction – Readers Can’t Put Down Tension And Conflict

Most of the best sellers out there have mastered one or more elements of fiction writing. Two of these elements are tension and conflict. In fact, some people like to read just because of the tension and conflict good fiction creates in their mind!
In order to explain tension we have to realize one thing first. A story is about a character that wants something. She needs to get to this something at all costs; she’s willing to go through thick or thin to get to it or attain it.
Conflict is the obstacle or obstacles that hinder the character from reaching her goal, from reaching that thing she wants most in the world.
Tension is the doubt created in the character’s and reader’s mind that the character may not make it after all. Tension is the feeling that something wrong is happening or will happen–it’s what drives the reader to turn the pages.
You need conflict to build tension. Conflict comes in many forms: the elements, a person (antagonist), a beast or monster, a spirit, the character herself–you name it, if it can keep the character from reaching her goal, it can become a conflict.
But not just any conflict will make your story gripping. If you want a page turner you need to put your character up against the biggest obstacles, throw her the nastiest stuff you can. Really make the reader–and the character–doubt what will happen. Make them hold their breath until they get to the next page and find out what happens.
And don’t let up.
However, every once and while you must allow some down time in order to give the reader a rest. Too much tension and action at one time and for too long is tiresome. This may desensitize them to the situation, making them want to skip to the next part.
Otherwise, keep it coming. Pile it on–but keep track of what you’re doing and don’t write yourself into a corner. Always know how you’re going to get your character out of it. If you don’t you may have to start over, or pull a Deus Ex Machina (which you don’t want to do!). Make legitimate resolutions for the problems created by the conflict in your story. Make the character solve them.
A good example of excellent conflict and tension maintained throughout a story is Orson Scott Card’s “Ender’s Game.” Every time something seems like it might go right, something wrong happens, another obstacle or problem is added. Sometimes more conflict is added while the main character is drowning in the depths of his current problem!
In closing, here are things to remember: Give your character a goal, then don’t let her have it. Add the nastiest kind of conflict you can, and keep it coming, but also allow for short breaks so the reader can catch his breath. Keep control over the conflict you add–make sure the character can find a way to conquer it in a believable way.
Master these skills, and people won’t be able to put your stuff down!