3 Tips for Creating Sympathy-Inducing Conflict

3 Tips for Creating Sympathy-Inducing Conflict 

by Karin Beery @karinbeery

A few years ago, I edited a contemporary romance with one main conflict – the female lead needed money, and the only person buying her homemade products was the one man she truly despised. She spent the whole book trying to work with this man to make more money.

There were two problems with that conflict:

    a.He wasn’t her only option. She could have created a free blog or Facebook page to sell her wares online, or she could have rented a booth at a local craft show and sold her goods there.

    b. Her plan clearly wasn’t working, but she kept doing the same thing over and over again.

It didn’t take long to lose sympathy for this character. Why? Because she repeatedly created her own mess, then complained about it!

If you’re writing a coming-of-age story where your main plot point is the maturity and change of the main character, then it works to have a character repeatedly making mistakes on the path to wisdom. In other genres, however, the characters come across as not-to-smart and whiney.

So how do you create conflict that evokes sympathy for your characters? Here are three tips that will help readers feel sympathy for your characters.

1. Include more than one conflict. It can get boring (and frustrating) to watch a character struggle with the same situation for three hundred pages. Your reader will wonder why the character isn’t learning, then eventually lose sympathy. Instead, pile the conflicts on top of each other.

2. Use external conflicts. Your character should work through some internal struggles, but don’t rely on those issues to provide the main source of conflict. Instead, throw some rocks into your character’s life – move him to a new location, make him lose his job or his girlfriend, have his car break down.

3. Get rid of the options. In the example I mentioned earlier, the character had other options, she just didn’t use them. To make her situation more relatable (and sympathetic), the author needed to get rid of the character’s options. Say the character set-up a website, but her computer crashed so she couldn’t access it, then her hosting service went out of business and deleted all the files on her website so she spent her money trying to recreate her website instead of going to local craft shows. At that point she really is out of options – she has to turn to the repulsive man for help.

When you start piling on problems and eliminating the escape routes, your
readers will stop wondering “Why doesn’t the character do this instead?” and start thinking “Oh no! How will she get out of this mess now?” And that’s the response that you want.

Are you struggling to create conflict in your story, or are you looking for ways to make it more intense? Think about how you can make it worse for your character – then do it!

Owner of Write Now Editing and Copywriting Services, Karin Beery specializes in fiction and professional business copy. She is an active member of American Christian Fiction Writers and the American Christian Writers Association. 

A Christian Proofreaders and Editors Network member, she is the Substantive Editing for Fiction instructor for the PEN Institute. Karin is represented by literary agent Steve Hutson at Word Wise Media. You can connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, or at her website, www.karinbeery.com. 

6 Quick Writing Tips from author June Foster

Short and Sweet Writing Tips

by June Foster

Since I always seem to have a deadline, I love reading "how to" articles that are short and list the points with bullets. Could be I'm a minimalist. At least my daughter tells me I am.

Not sure if you're like me, but a fantastic story idea suddenly occupies my brain, demanding to be told. I can see the setting and the characters as if a little TV had taken up residence in my mind. I wish the rest was that simple. Hopefully these steps will make it a little easier.

*After you've opened up a new doc, begin a process I call free writing. Don't worry about grammar, spelling, or sentence structure. Just get your idea down in print. Let it flow without telling yourself this is lousy stuff. You can write the whole book like this or just a chapter at a time.

*Begin refining what you've written by examining the content. Does each event move the story forward? Are the character's believable? Are your facts accurate? If not delete or tweak.

*After you're pretty happy with the story, then examine sentence structure, action beats, sentence variation, and word choice. An author once suggested I make my writing sound more elegant. Will the narrative catch and hold the reader's attention?

*Now go on a treasure hunt in every chapter. Use the "Find" function on the "Home" button on Word. Check for pet words. Any word can be a pet word if you use it too frequently. Here are some I tend to overuse. Just, still, that, back. Check for the over use of ing and ly.

* Run the spell/grammar check and see what turns up.

*Read each chapter aloud. You'll be amazed what tweaks you need to make.

So, hopefully these points will help to simplify your writing process. Happy writing!

A Peek into June's latest release:

 Though a Christian, Luke Chamberlain ignored his values and indulged in his beautiful fiancé's world of alcohol, parties, and nights at her apartment. After rededicating his life to the Lord, he vows never to fall into the lifestyle again. When the state of Idaho's Tourism Department offers his construction company the contract to renovate Silver Cliff, an 1890's silver mining ghost town, he accepts.

Janie Littleton studied history in college because life in the past is simpler than the uncomfortable reality of the present. With her extra pounds, eye glasses, and mousy brown hair, no man would find her attractive. When she's offered the job of project historian at the restoration of Silver Cliff, she accepts. But as Luke Chamberlain shows an interest in her, she doubts his sincerity. To make matters worse, someone claiming to be the miner who founded Silver Cliff in 1890 intimidates her with frightening midnight visits.

Can Luke convince Janie he's in love with the godly woman she is? Can Janie hold onto her faith as she's harassed by frightening appearances of old Ezra Barclay who died a hundred years ago?

Tag line: True beauty isn't found at the Miss Idaho pageant but in a deserted ghost town in the mountains of Idaho. 

Amazon link: http://tinyurl.com/zxn3psm 

Some Writerly Tips from Jenna Victoria

Hey, just because it's Christmastime, doesn't mean writers still don't have work to do!

Please welcome guest blogger Jenna Victoria as she shares some great writing tips for you.

WELCOME, JENNA!

♦ ♦ ♦

Alone Again (Unnaturally)

by Jenna Victoria

Writers are a bit, well, different.

We willingly (eagerly!) embrace those hundreds of solitary hours hunched over a computer keyboard or a lined writing pad while doing, um, writerly things. Even when it looks like we are staring into space, we are working. Trust me on this. Being a published author is the carrot at the end of the stick; the stick being the time periods we are tucked away, alone, in our writer's garret—if we are fortunate. Other writers furtively steal a quiet hour or two each day to sit at a corner of the kitchen counter with just enough space cleared for their laptop, rushing to get that fleeting thought or plot twist onto the page. We are happy there, lost in a creative bubble that cushions us from many types of unpleasantness. Like conversation. Like cleaning. Like changing out of our pajamas.

The thing is, though, when the day comes and our book launches on Amazon or is delivered by distributor to the shelves of the local book store - we will need to emerge from that cozy nook. And meet people. And be witty with the repartee. Oh, and be properly attired, like with shoes and stuff. Bunny slippers will not make a good impression, believe me.

Long before our first book signing or Facebook Live video or online radio interview - we need to prepare, to practice our public persona. You know, the one hidden underneath the hair we didn't bother brushing before collecting it into a hair clip as we powered up our computer for another writing session.

Here are some tips that have helped me:

• 1.      Don't panic. The published side of this writing gig isn't a great monster waiting to devour your soul. Take a few deep breaths and relax. You've got this.
• 2.      Join a local in-person writing group. Interact with your tribe. If there are no local groups, join online communities such as ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) or Faith, Hope and Love, an online chapter of Romance Writers of America. Submit your work to other members and get feedback.
• 3.      Take an adult education writer's class. Not for the content alone - but to mix and mingle with others who understand it's scary to talk out loud about your manuscript. Get comfortable schmoozing, meeting and greeting other writers.
• 4.      Regularly attend poetry readings, even if that's not your genre. Watching others bravely face an audience can be empowering. Besides, they, too, likely wear fuzzy bunny slippers when they are at home.
• 5.      Attend a local college or community event with an open mic session. Take the plunge - stand in front of that microphone and be the boss.
• 6.      Be proactive - reach out to others who are just as nervous as you. Help coach them through their readings and you'll be amazed how the confidence rubs off on you.
• 7.      Volunteer to help out at a local bookstore or library during author events, or help plan writer events in your area. If you are able to join a local writer's group - volunteer to assist. The more you interact with publishing leaders, the more polished and professional you'll become. I once had the pleasure of driving a multi-NYT best selling romance author from the local train station to our meeting site. It was a lovely time of soaking up her knowledge but also seeing how easy and comfortable it was to interact.
• 8.      Graduate to attending a national conference. Pitch your work to an editor or agent. Practice your pitch on friends and family. Practice saying, "Yes, I'd be happy to send you a partial or a full."

Before you know it, being in public won't be as intimidating. You'll be ready to don that sparkling evening gown and step onto an awards stage at RWA or ACFW, to accept an award for best first book.  (Even though you'll be wishing you were at home in your sweats and spooning chocolate ice cream out of the container). Trust me on this, too - every other writer there will be feeling the exact same way.

Title:  War of the Heart

Sub title: (A Snow Globe Christmas) 

Publisher: Forget Me Not Romances

Blurb:  When a vintage snow globe sends Boston dress designer Louise Martin & British B&B owner George Walker back in time to London, December 1940, they race against the clock to reconcile a feud between their families and solve a 75-year-old mystery. As Louise relies on God; and on George for guidance, friendship then love, will the future George envisions strangle her own dreams? Will their love survive generations of mistrust, the Blitz and being stranded in wartime 1940, possibly never to return to their former lives? 

Release Date: October 9, 2016

Format: E-book, paperback, audio book

Amazon Links:

eBook: http://www.goo.gl/wflaLA

Paperback:  http://www.goo.gl/O2jEsZ

Audio Book: http://www.goo.gl/Ne8HAE

Bio:  Ever since her grandfather co-created Twinkies, Snowballs & Hostess cupcakes for Intercontinental Baking Company, circa 1959, Jenna's yet to taste a cake she hasn't liked.
Jenna is the author of  “fiction that feeds your faith” – Happily-Ever-After romance & romantic suspense stories with a Christian world view. She also writes clean, wholesome romances. Her stories emulate those she enjoys reading…with a heroine who is in grave danger & a hero who is smart enough to get out of her way as she kicks butt & takes down names… and those that feature the sweetest of fairy-tale-ending love stories.

She writes romances that glorify God and His sacrificial love through His Son, Jesus Christ and show how He gives us hope & peace amidst unbearable situations. After her first breast cancer diagnosis in 2012, several reoccurrences and metastasis, Jenna continues to praise God and trust His oversight in her life; and continues to write more books.

Social Media Contacts

Twitter  www.twitter.com/jennavictori

Facebook  www.facebook.com/jennavictoriaauthor/

Amazon Author Page https://www.amazon.com/author/jennavictoria/

Heroes of Song Personal Blog http://www.jennavictoria.com/category/blog-heroes-of-song/

Book Review Blog  http://www.jennavictoria.com/category/on-jennas-shelf-reviews/

Instagram  www.instagram.com/jenna_victoria_author/

Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/jennavwriter/

7 Ways to Choose a Title For Your Book

Title Wars

by Denise Weimer @denise_weimer

Your book, your story – you’ve put your heart and soul into it. You’ve agonized and edited and even produced the nutshell summary that should snag publishers and readers alike. But one thing evades you. Maybe just one word, in fact! But oh, what a word. The title.

The other day a reader asked me for the first time how I go about choosing titles for my books, which got me thinking. You know, titles, like writing styles, have really changed in the last quarter century. There was actually a time sweeping sagas dripping myriad adjectives, adverbs and descriptive details – accompanied by a dramatic title – were prized. If it wasn’t grand, it wasn’t worth picking off the shelf. Now, after the title of our book grabs the reader with succinct cleverness, we’re supposed to introduce both hero and heroine on page one, while simultaneously plunging them into hair-raising action.

That said, there are still several ways to go about selecting a title that both draws attention and encapsulates the heart of your story.

·        The descriptive, one-word title. Think of all the popular YA reads with titles like Shattered, Hunted or Erased. It’s powerful, arousing curiosity and creating immediate kinship, if you can find just one word that says so much.

·        Two-word, action-name or action-noun title. Examples: Redeeming Grace (the title of my first novella, which also reflected theme) or Finding Fairies. Couples your clever character name or subject with what happens to them.

·        Location title. Consider this option if your story encompasses a region or exudes a strong sense of place. Granted, titles like a state or city name can sound Michener-esque, so you might want to go with something less grandiose by adding another word, like the movie, Mississippi Burning.

·        If an item figures prominently in your story, the item title may be your way to go, especially if you are going for either foreboding or sentimental. Example: The Heirloom.

·        The play-off-a-similar title title. Be careful that you’re not infringing or offending, but there are times it’s appropriate and even humorous to play off the words of a well-known title, especially if your story is tongue-in-cheek or spoofy.

·        The character-possessive title. Example: Sarah’s Revenge.

·        The theme title. If your book possesses an underlying lesson for the reader, or if a thread runs through your story or series, you can reinforce that in the title. I did this in both of my series. The Restoration Trilogy titles of White, Widow, and Witch offer punch and puzzlement while representing the historic back stories at the heart of the novels. In The Georgia Gold Series, each title (Sautee Shadows, The Gray Divide, The Crimson Bloom and Bright as Gold) reflect the light, shadow and color of turbulent times and the mystery of missing gold throughout.

I’ve just scratched the surface, but hopefully I’ve got you started thinking if you’re stuck. Choosing a title doesn’t have to be the point where you bang your head against the wall! 

What about you? Do you have a tried and true formula for selecting your title, or as a reader, does a particular type of title really capture your interest?

Be sure to share your thoughts in the comment section below. Join the conversation!

Author bio: Denise Weimer holds a journalism degree with a minor in history from Asbury University. A former magazine writer, she is the author of romantic novella REDEEMING GRACE, The Georgia Gold Series (SAUTEE SHADOWS, THE GRAY DIVIDE, THE CRIMSON BLOOM, and BRIGHT AS GOLD - winner of the 2015 John Esten Cooke Award for outstanding Southern literature) and The Restoration Trilogy (WHITE, WIDOW and WITCH). Denise is a wife and swim mom of two daughters who always pauses for old houses, coffee and chocolate! 

Special Guest Article from Author June Foster

Hi, Whispers readers, it is my pleasure to bring you this great writing article from one of my fellow authors at Helping Hands Press.

I hope you will enjoy the article, and, please, if you have any questions for June, make use of the comment section below.

We're also giving you an opportunity to read June's release, "Misty Hollow" - below her BIO - with buying links for either the Kindle Edition, or Paperback version. 

Do check them out.

Getting to Know Your Characters Through Asking Questions

by June Foster

Characterization is one of the most vital aspects of crafting a story. Even if our plot is riveting, fast moving, and keeps readers on the edge of their seats, if they don't care about the characters, the story will flop. Readers will leave the book feeling dry and often confused.

Readers need a character they can care about. In Karen Kingsbury's A Moment of Weakness, I cried when Jade Conner lost all hope and married a man she never loved. I knew her like I know my own family members, thanks to Ms. Kingsbury's character development. It was a book I couldn't put down.

Now to be honest. I struggle with trying to write each character the same. If I allowed myself, my heroes would all be like my ideal man, and I'd pattern the heroine after myself. Heaven forbid! My readers would certainly not keep turning pages if that were the case.

So, I find ways to get to know my characters—inside and out. An effective strategy is asking questions. I devise a question sheet, leaving room for answers then get started.

Hope these help.

1. What does your character want more than anything else in the world?

2. What is his/her goal?

3. Whom does he/she dream about, yearn for, hate?

4. What virtues characterize this person?

5. What is your character’s greatest fear?

6. What one thing does your character hope no one will ever find out about him/her?

7. In one word, what motivates your character?

8. How would your character describe him/herself? (Self-concept determines destiny.)

9. What makes him/her laugh?

10. What is your character’s personality temperament?

11. What is their deepest unfulfilled desire of their heart?

12. What is he/she most proud of accomplishing?

13. What is he/she least proud of having done or being a part of?

14. What are their warts?

15. What are their phobias?

16. If they had only one day to live, how would they spend that day?

17. What kind of obstacles will most challenge them?

18. What will it take for this character to get to where they need to be with God?

19. What is the pivotal issue of faith that will draw them to a closer relationship with God?

You'll be surprised what you'll learn about your characters. They may even tell you a secret or two about themselves.

June Foster's bio

An award-winning author, June Foster is a retired teacher with a BA in education and MA in counseling. In 2013, June's book Give Us This Day was a finalist in EPIC's eBook awards and in 2014 a finalist in the National Readers Choice Awards for best first book. Ryan's Father was one of three finalists in the published contemporary fiction category of the 2014 Oregon Christian Writers Cascade Writing Contest and Awards. Deliver Us was a finalist in COTT's 2014 Laurel Awards. June has written four novels for Desert Breeze Publishing. The Bellewood Series, Give Us This Day, As We Forgive, and Deliver Us, and Hometown Fourth of July. Ryan's Father is published by WhiteFire Publishing. Red and the Wolf, a modern day retelling of Little Red Riding Hood, is available from Amazon.com. The Almond Tree series, For All Eternity, Echoes From the Past, and What God Knew are available at Amazon.com as well. Misty Hollow is published by Helping Hands Press. June enjoys writing stories about characters who overcome the circumstances in their lives by the power of God and His Word. Visit June at junefoster.com.

In Misty Hollow, a rural community of the Appalachian Mountains, the citizens forge a simple living from the land, cattle, and crops. Many are farmers with minimal education, but a strong sense of pride and respect for their neighbors and God. Joel Greenfield, the youngest son of his illiterate parents, dreams of transforming his father's rustic farm into a thriving dairy business. He learns the mayor of Misty Hollow covets the Greenfield farm because of a generations-old feud between the families. When Joel vows to God he won't fail, there's no turning back. He can't disappoint God again. Molly Cambridge moves into her uncle and aunt's garage apartment in Misty Hollow and has a heart to fight illiteracy for local women who are in subjugation to the male-dominated society. Molly uses her vocation as a third grade teacher to ensure the children under her tutelage have an opportunity for a better life. After a storm blows Joel into Molly's life, she can't deny the chemistry between them.

Purchase links:
Kindle Edition: http://amzn.to/2adcnqt 
Paperback Version: http://amzn.to/2adcy52

Thanks, June, for being my guest today. I love this list of . . . I guess, you might call a character interview. God bles you in your writing endeavors for Him, and to His glory.

Sensory Science Part 2, Writing Talk Tuesday, with Jeanne Marie Leach

USING SENSORY SCIENCE FOR DEEPER DESCRIPTIONS

© 2015 By Jeanne Marie Leach

The dictionary defines the “senses” as any of the faculties involving sight, hearing, smell, taste, or touch, by which humans perceive stimuli originating from outside or inside the body. These five senses are the ones everyone learns about in school, and writer’s groups remind you to be sure to utilize them all.

However, in the scientific world there is no solid consensus among neurologists regarding the actual number of senses because of differing definitions of what actually composes a sense. Humans are considered to have at least six additional senses that include:

• Balance and acceleration


• Temperature differences


• Muscle and joint motion


• Pain


• Sense of time


• Direction

After researching these further, I’ve come to the conclusion that these extra “senses” are a valuable part of descriptions used in fiction stories, so as a fiction author, keep these in mind. Most of them are usually mentioned naturally as the need arises in a story, but a couple of them could easily be overlooked. Using these senses will definitely enhance the word pictures you create and will deepen the characters.

This week, I am focusing on muscle and joint motion and direction.

Kinesthetic sense (Muscle and joint movement)

Definition/Explanation:

The kinesthetic sense provides the sensation of movement or strain in muscles, tendons, and joints. This can be termed muscle sense and is the awareness of the position of one's body, including weight, muscle tension, and movement.

You use this sense in situations like closing your eyes and touch the tip of a finger to your nose. If your muscle sense is working properly, you won’t lose awareness of where your hand actually is, even though it is not being detected by any of the other senses. Muscle sense and touch are related in subtle ways, and their injury results in unexpected and deep shortages in perception and action.

Writing Application:

A large, upscale department store hires a woman and her team to dress their windows for the spring season. As the team works on staging light and airy scenes behind the windows, the owner of the firm requires help from one of her team, and a handsome, young man volunteers. With two step ladders facing each other, she climbs up one, and he goes up the other. While someone else hoists a large placard upward, the two on the ladders nudge it into place, their hands touching each other’s hand, and the woman becomes deeply aware of how close the man’s torso is to hers. She can “sense” his nearness, even though she’s focusing all her attention on the placard.

Direction

Directional awareness, most commonly noted in birds, is also found to a limited extent in humans. While bees and birds and animals like cattle possess a directional instinct with regard to the Earth’s magnetic field, man does not. Humans must rely on scientific findings in order to navigate their way in the world. While most people depend upon compasses and maps, there are occasionally people who can stand in a certain spot and instinctually “know” which way is north. Scientists disagree on whether this is a true scientific phenomenon or simply a fluke of nature, but they cannot deny the existence of this occurrence.

Writing application

When you create characters, you can determine whether they are one of the “unusual” people who have a keen sense of direction or if they must read a map in order to get out of a situation. Remember that reading maps, or noting the position of the sun or stars is a learned technique.

Example: You have a female protagonist from New York City who is on a first-time camping trip in the woods with her cousins. She needs to go to the bathroom, so she must walk a short distance before she can make sure nobody will see her. When she finishes, she walks back the way she came there, but somehow manages to miss the campsite. Not wanting to look stupid, she turns and keeps walking. Then she calls out for help, but nobody responds. What does she do?

You must determine if she has any survival skills. Does she know how to use the trees as a directional guide? Does she know how to tell direction using the sun? If she does know these things, then it must be written into the story somehow where she learned these tools. If she’s one of those unusual people who has a basic “knack” for finding her way, then that too must play into the story. You cannot just have her find her way through the woods without having established how she knows these things. Without this information, the story won’t be believable. A New York City gal who can find her own way back to her cousins just doesn’t sound right. . . unless. . .

Be sure to come back next week for Part 3: Pain!

If you missed Part 1: Balance and Acceleration, go HERE

About Jeanne:



Jeanne Marie Leach is a multi-published author and freelance editor specializing in fiction and teaches courses on editing fiction. She is coordinator of The Christian PEN, a member of the Christian Editor Network, and member #46 of The American Christian Fiction Writers, where she received the 2012 Member Service Award. She teaches 32 weeks per year to editors on how to edit fiction and continually keeps abreast of current market trends and hones her knowledge of fiction writing and editing through classes and conferences.

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