Want to join in? Here's this week's Author Aerobics challenge. Answers to the challenge will be posted on Friday. If you use this writing prompt, post a link to your entry in the comments below, and I'll update this post with links to yours. Everyone's welcome!
Layered Conflict Challenge
Conflict is what moves your story along. There are two main types of conflict: external and internal. External conflict includes the physical obstacles to your protagonist's goal. It is what is happening around him/her. Internal conflict includes the dilemmas within the head of your protagonist.
I've also heard of including interpersonal conflict. Interpersonal conflict overlaps with the external and internal modes. It may, or may not, be important, depending on the type of story you are writing, but I find it's a simple way to add extra depth any time there are multiple characters in a story.
This week's challenge: Write a story (1000 words or less) that involves multiple layers of conflict. This week's theme: "shadows".
Further Reading:
- What is Conflict by Caro Clarke
This week's stories!
- Nipping at Mani's Heels by Aidan Fritz - Lothar will do anything to vanquish the shadows for his daughters. He makes a bargain he may regret.
- The Shadow Pilgrim by Stephen Watkins - Do you know why night flees the day, and why day flees the night?
- Quick Draw by T.S. Bazelli - The sun was shining and the air smelled of rain. It was a good day to die.
I love layered conflict! My professor used to say, the scene should never be ABOUT what it's about. Otherwise it tends to fall flat. Can't wait to see what you come up with!
It's a lot like putting together a cake. hehe... my mind's cranking!
Fireworks, light, shadows…what's up with you, T.S.!
I hope I can enter this week. :)
Hehe, well I figured I started a theme, so I might as well roll with it! ;) All those things remind me of summer days and nights. I'm trying to enjoy the summer while it lasts!
I hope so too!
I am sooooooooo in. SHADOWS!!!!!!!! I love shadows.
Getting the layered conflict might be a bit of a challenge though. I am a one conflict at a time kind of guy. :D But I will manage.
Ahh but that is why this is a challenge! If it were easy it wouldn't be as much fun, no? ;)
My first thought is that I already introduced the theme of shadows (as well as the stated theme of light) in my last Author Aerobics story... since there was something about that story that was interesting but which left me unfulfilled (since it was a rush-job), I wonder if I shouldn't revisit the world of that story just to see what else there is to it.
Shadows and light go together. Hmm, is there a flip-side to the light magic? It would be pretty fun to see what happens next.
There was one throw-away line that referred to the "brighthands" escorting "shadow pilgrims". I had no explanation, at the time, for what "shadow pilgrims" are.
But yes... light and shadow do go together, don't they?
I am interested in seeing more in that world. Shadows aren't much without light ;)
I did what I could, but something's still lacking, I think. This is an idea that will have to simmer in my mind for a good long time before I can do it any real justice. Nevertheless... here's my latest attempt:
Shadow Pilgrim
*waves* Hey sis! I'd love to join in on this, but I'm too long winded. *grins* 1000 words...only?! I'm happy to lurk here though! So consider me lurk-ed.
LOL it was a challenge at first to get the length right! I still go overboard at times. Glad to see you come by the blog though!
Okay, time to get this La-Z-Boy writing…
Hmm and I thought you were just about to reclaim your speed crown! I've got to get started on mine too.
Hmm... perhaps, I should put more than just a link. I appear to have triggered the spam filter.
Nipping at Mani's Heels.