Tension & Conflict: The Writer’s Secret Weapons

About this episode

This episode explores the essential roles of tension and conflict in writing, providing practical tips and examples for creating engaging fiction.

Every novel needs fuel to keep it moving forward, and that fuel is conflict and tension. In this episode, we break down the difference between scene-level tension and story-level conflict—and show how they work together to keep readers hooked. From internal struggles to epic battles, we’ll explore techniques that create momentum and make your story impossible to put down. With practical tips and real-world examples, this episode is a must-listen for any writer looking to craft gripping fiction. SHOW NOTES: What Is Tension? Conflict? How Tension and Conflict Work Together Writing Tips Examples SOURCES & LINKS: The Conflict Thesaurus & The Emotion Thesaurus, Angela Ackerman & Becca Puglisi “Courting Conflict: The Agent of Change,” Wired for Story, Lisa Cron “Dude with a Problem: Surviving the Ultimate Test,” Save the Cat Writes a Novel, Jessica Brody *analysis of conflict w/in Stephen King’s Misery G.M.C.: Goal, Motivation, and Conflict, Debra Dixon The Compass of Character , David Corbett DO NOW: Look at your current project— is each scene tense? Is the conflict clear and escalating? Check out our FREE Download to see a sample of HOW to use the Thesaurus Series to…

People in this episode

Hosts: Hope Gibbs, Donna Norman-Carbone

Guest: Barbara Conrey

Topics covered

• tension
• conflict
• writing techniques
• fiction
• storytelling
• character development

Keywords

• tension
• conflict
• writing tips
• fiction techniques
• story momentum
• character conflict

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Misery

More episodes of Authors Talking Bookish

• An Interview with Author Wendy Haller · June 2, 2026 · 34 min
• An Interview with author Grace Sammon · May 19, 2026 · 32 min
• What if mid-life isn’t a crisis—but a powerful second coming-of-age? An interview with authors Elissa Bass and Christine Consolino · May 5, 2026 · 30 min
• Smart, Legitimate Book Marketing Strategies for Authors · April 21, 2026 · 26 min
• Brainstorming Bootcamp:Creative Sparks for Storytellers · April 7, 2026 · 31 min
• An Interview with Author Sue William Silverman · March 24, 2026 · 31 min