Comments on: Where the Trouble Starts

By: LynneRose

LynneRose — Thu, 04 May 2023 15:15:28 +0000

I'm not writing much these days, but if I had to pick one of my characters, I'd have to say Walter, who would probably cut an x in it as if it were a snakebite, attempt to suck out then spit out the poison, then pour his niece Fran's single-malt over it and move on with the rest of his day. Eventually Fran would be taking him to the emergency room, scolding him the entire time, but more about using her very expensive scotch than about the way his arm was now three times its usual circumference. Thanks for the thought-provoking post, Laurie. :-)

By: Laurie Schnebly Campbell

Laurie Schnebly Campbell — Sun, 30 Apr 2023 01:41:09 +0000

In reply to Denise Speckhardt. Denise, you've painted a vivid picture of a character who's highly responsible...which makes it easy to envision a lot of possible events that could be particularly challenging for her!

By: Denise Speckhardt

Denise Speckhardt — Sat, 29 Apr 2023 17:20:17 +0000

I think mine would examine the back te, trace her steps to find the origin. Then try and find the mosquito to study it. All while tending to her reaction to it. Shed probably also make sure that diners on the table and the kids made it to practice.

By: Laurie Schnebly Campbell

Laurie Schnebly Campbell — Sat, 29 Apr 2023 01:32:53 +0000

Thanks, everybody who posted intriguing glimpses of how their characters might wind up in conflict starting from what this person is like -- as one writer observed, "It's so much fun to play with others who let their imaginations out for a run!" To see who wins free registration to "Building Conflict from the Head Down" via email May 8-19, I gave the number of comments to random dot org and they drew #25. Which means congratulations go to Deb Caskey...Deb, just contact me at the email address on my BookLaurie.com website. :)

By: Laurie Schnebly Campbell

Laurie Schnebly Campbell — Fri, 28 Apr 2023 23:33:56 +0000

In reply to Diana McCollum. Diana, Opal's in a great setting for potential trouble no matter what kind of personality she brings to the picture -- but that'll make it all the more exciting to see what WILL rattle her.

By: 🖋 Writing Links Round Up 6/26 – B. Shaun Smith

🖋 Writing Links Round Up 6/26 – B. Shaun Smith — Fri, 28 Apr 2023 21:43:19 +0000

[…] Where the Trouble Starts […]

By: Diana McCollum

Diana McCollum — Fri, 28 Apr 2023 19:31:14 +0000

Since my protagonist is a wildlife scientist studying Coywolves, I think Opal would probably take a sample and put it under her microscope to see if she is dealing with a bacteria she is able to treat.

Opal lives way out in the forest and there is no phone.

By: Laurie Schnebly Campbell

Laurie Schnebly Campbell — Fri, 28 Apr 2023 16:58:10 +0000

In reply to Marcia Adair. Marcia, that's a lovely illustration of how conflict can stem from perfectly good, healthy, useful habits. Her approach WORKS most of the time, but those few times when it doesn't....

By: Laurie Schnebly Campbell

Laurie Schnebly Campbell — Fri, 28 Apr 2023 16:55:12 +0000

In reply to Lisa Trovillion. Lisa, that's a great summary of the whole "conflict from the head down" premise -- you're absolutely right about how VERY much we can do with it, in just about any kind of story.

By: Laurie Schnebly Campbell

Laurie Schnebly Campbell — Fri, 28 Apr 2023 16:53:11 +0000

In reply to Moya Bawden. Moya, I can just see Bhodaan responding in a style that feels familiar and has always (or pretty much always) worked in the past...which is a great device for stirring up trouble. :)