Writing Craft
Conflict

Conflict becomes powerful when it grows naturally from character and setting. Angela Greenman, Rodney Walther, and Venita Bonds discuss how to create meaningful tension by tapping into relationships, environment, and the internal struggles that shape decisions. This session focuses on building conflict that feels organic, purposeful, and deeply connected to the emotional core of the story.

Momentum comes from tension on the page. Bruce Robert Coffin, D.E. Funk, James R. Hannibal, Phyllis Gobbell, and Shaun Assael break down how conflict can exist in every scene, even quiet ones. Writers will learn how to layer different forms of conflict to maintain narrative drive, deepen emotional pull, and keep readers engaged from beginning to end.

Moral choices can be just as gripping as physical danger. Chris Berg and Paul James Smith examine how ethical dilemmas deepen crime fiction by forcing characters to confront consequence and conscience. This session focuses on using moral conflict to heighten tension, complicate character decisions, and give stories lasting emotional weight.

Tension is what keeps readers turning pages. Barbara Christopher, Barbara Graham, Chester D. Campbell, and Radine Trees Nehring break down what tension really is and how it functions on the page. This session explores how characterization, dialogue, and description work together to sustain suspense and keep a story emotionally charged throughout an entire novel.

Suspense is built moment by moment, not just in big reveals. Award-winning author Vic DiGenti shares proven techniques for keeping readers engaged through micro-tension, pacing, and careful control of information. This session explores how to reveal just enough at the right time while holding back what matters most, creating anticipation that carries a story from opening scene to final page.

Raising stakes means forcing your protagonist to face real danger, both external and internal. D.E. Funk, M.T. Falgoust, Mary Beth Magee, and Rea Frey discuss how to push characters to their limits by drawing on relatable fears, credible threats, and emotional vulnerability. This session focuses on creating peril that feels authentic and keeps readers emotionally invested in the outcome.

Strong stories are built on layered conflict, not just a single source of tension. Bruce Robert Coffin, Carol Orange, Evelyn Donahoe, Hank Phillippi Ryan, Jule Selbo, and Lynn Slaughter examine how conflict operates on personal, professional, and relational levels. Writers will learn how to reignite stalled scenes, balance competing pressures, and use character choices to deepen tension throughout the story.

Contrast is one of the most powerful tools in storytelling. Clay Stafford explores how differences in character, tone, setting, and theme create emotional texture and narrative momentum. This session shows how contrast shapes rhythm, sharpens impact, and turns an ordinary story into one that lingers with the reader.

Effective conflict is the engine that powers story. B.J. Sloan, Bruce Robert Coffin, Debra Goldstein, Ernest Lancaster, Mark Jones, and Peter W.J. Hayes explore how to sustain tension by balancing external stakes with internal struggle. This session focuses on using conflict deliberately to shape character, strengthen scenes, and hold reader attention throughout the narrative.