How to Nail Conflict & Stakes in Your Novel

A book isn't a book without CONFLICT! And without decent stakes, no one will care! I'm sharing how to nail conflict and stakes in your book, with some examples from popular YA fiction (yes, The Hunger Games, again).
There are actually many kinds of conflict, and I'm going over four: over-arching plot conflict, character conflict, internal conflict, and micro/scene-level conflict.
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[@PaintingMeJosh]

"How to nail stakes" .... there's a wonderful pun here and I'm here for it.

[@josiahmadera9796]

The thing that I took away from this is to make sure your stakes are well done. Ba dum tss

[@KitKatWiffleBallBat]

Stakes and stones may break my bones...but...oh wait I suck at this! 😯

[@azuroslazuli6948]

Here, let me finish it. “Stakes and stones may break my bones, but words still don’t work with me.” LOL

[@ericacook2500]

I'm writing a vampire novel so nailing the stakes can take on completely different meaning.

[@arlan4813]

This is the power of Alexa: I do NOT like The Hunger Games, but I can overlook Alexa's personal near-obsession because I DO like Alexa and she gives phenomenal advice. I'm late to the party with this video but it's still as relevant now as when it was filmed, and will remain so. I'm subscribed for good reason.

[@stijnvdv2]

I just get a bit tired of all the dystopian 'hunger games' type stories.... Like okay I didn't like the original one coz to me it felt like a straight rip off from the quittish games (or whatever) from Harry Potter, but the Hunger games really worked it out quite well... after that... yeah.... like every freak'n YA novel has a 'hunger games' in it these days....gets a bit tiring; just come up with a new concept already. That's also the main problem with these author tubers... yes they generally give good writing advice because most of them have worked in the industry as critiquing writers and help them to publish their books.... so they are really good at that... however there is a difference between critiquing and writing and most author books are just plain awful coz they throw all of their advice at the garbage bin when they themselves write a story. And what's up with all the YA obsession of them.... like the world doesn't only exist out of 'diversity and identity politics in a dystopian world'.... that's why they are boring; before I read a single word, I can pretty much predict the entire book and who's gonna be who, coz practically all these YA novels are the same story.

[@tarawoodard2737]

I have enjoyed every video I've seen on your channel. Your passion for your craft is genuine and radiant, a pleasure to witness! You provide valuable information, you're thorough, and you do it in such a casual, easy to understand way. You're relaxed, relatable, natural and not condescending or rife with clickbait-y tactics, sales pitches, or affiliate ads, etc. like a lot of quality independent content. You're generally respectful of other's attempts at creating, and you can critique works or styles without tearing them down or getting petty like some others whose videos I just can not sit through. Thank you for your efforts. Kudos also for your production and editing quality. I really appreciate your channel.

[@samanthaherrington149]

Super accessible and beginner-friendly! I plan to use this for my Creative Writing students this week. Thanks for being so thorough!

[@BlueBird_V]

Samantha Herrington: One of my main characters’ last name is Harrington. I kind of want to change it now! I love your spelling so much more!

[@backwardswritingadvice6559]

When you create conflict, it's important to know your characters well enough to know what they would and wouldn't do under the circumstances. If you have a really smart character, acting extremely stupid, you're going to frustrate your readers. @advice_writing

[@Star-ie8br]

Thank you! :D

[@user-iq4hl7bl7b]

But see that depends. Smart doesn’t automatically mean all knowing. A character can be extremely intelligent academically, scientifically etc but emotionally unintelligent creating a stupid character when it comes to relationships and opening up. Or the person may in the moment have a moment of weakness and has to make a quick decision but something takes over. Such broad tips aren’t helpful

[@madmadame1508]

This reminded me of The Host by Stephenie Meyer, I loved the concept and can even say I enjoyed the book. But I was constantly waiting for something to happen...and it never came.

[@cvhoneybee]

I struggle most with chapter by chapter conflicts, big conflicts all good, but those scene level ones those I struggle with.I always look to movies and books for conflict help, and The Hunger Games is used by a lot of people for explaining, so don't feel bad lol

[@platoniczombie]

I feel that. I'm only on chapter 2, but I attempted to drop a hint in the first chapter and the interrupting prologue (I wanted to have memories as prologues interrupting throughout the book) that hints that there's internal conflict that must be dealt with through out. So maybe you just need a character who has more personal trouble?

[@LindsayPuckett]

I'm so happy I found your channel last night! I watched like 2 hours worth of videos...oops. lol this is such an invaluable resource. Thankyouthankyouthankyou!

[@AlexaDonne]

Yay! So happy you found me :)

[@cosmicprison9819]

7:34 Survival and well-being are most interesting when they are not in alignment with, but in opposition to each other: When the cost of ensuring everyone's survival makes those survivors more miserable, and death, or any other form of nonexistence, would be a release from that misery. Then you have another conflict at a philosophical level. I like The Hunger Games, but The 100 nails this even better.

[@bytheBrooke]

I like you using the hunger games for examples because everyone has either read the book or seen the movies so it's easy to talk about the story and plot so you don't spoil other books. But that's just me haha. Great talk! Love the dynamics of everything you laid out :)

[@AlexaDonne]

That's definitely part of the logic! I did find, using Frostblood as an example that I was limited b/c there are some late-book things that are FULL OF CONFLICT and high stakes, especially the internal kind, but they were all spoilers! Like, you can't spoil THG ha.

[@thegeekylibrarian360]

I have not read the books or watched to movies :P

[@miralyse.3846]

@@thegeekylibrarian360 Same here. I just don't like the distopia genre.

[@DogWalkerBill]

You are the first person that used The Hunger Games. (I watched the movies on cable.) One of the best examples of well written plot, characters, conflict & character development is: "Avatar: The Last Airbender." You'd think, "A silly cartoon show!" But it is really well written and rather profound! (All things considered! It IS a children's cartoon show!) (But I guess you'd be about the 20th writer to use it as an example.)

[@doaa8242]

conflict: - over arching plot conflict - chch conflict - internal conflict:- for example guilt - structural conflict:- ticking clock micro/scene conflict: - dickish comments - failures and setbacks stakes: - death - unhappiness - emotional and personal

[@destroyerinazuma96]

The only time I nail steaks is when I cut then in tiny slices, roll them around some filling and put a clean toothpick through to hold them while they're cooking.

[@KhatunReba]

I finally understand what STAKES means! thank you!

[@joshbryant6366]

thank for these videos i just started rewriting my story 30,000 words in bc my protag didn’t have a strong enough motivation. i’m raising the stakes and starting over and o man it’s already so much better! thank you for these videos!!!

[@jordanvinicius6243]

wow that was so good. I wish It was longer. you're really good at explaining things

[@absolutelycitron1580]

This is the most difficult aspect of writing a story for me. Tysm for this video

[@rachelthome165]

This video was so helpful! I am so happy I've found your channel. I've pretty much binged your channel and feel like I've stumbled across a free masterclass. Your passion is palpable. Thank you for taking the time to make your videos!

[@SysterYster]

I feel that some authors are scared of consequences, which is why characters who "died" comes popping back like a happy surprise later on, things that seemed like they'd get really bad, didn't actually get that bad in the end etc etc. And it's getting to me sometimes. If a character sacrifices him/herself for others... and then comes back. The sacrifice is undone and with it half my feelings for it.

[@vn7890]

Recently restarted writing and I am binging your videos and they are so helpful... I love how often you mention the hunger games, I love the books! :D sometimes you say something and I think "yeah, like in the hunger games" and you go on "like in the hunger games"... Perfect match!:)

[@itaintEZbeingCHEEZY]

I've been listening to all your videos as I started a novel recently. Your videos help me think about how to continue to improve in my story telling. this was an amazing video thank you!

[@DarniseMartin]

you could mix up your examples more. try the classic star wars, the matrix, raiders of the lost ark. Old school classics

[@amandawilmot6780]

Lol Hunger Games Example Disease 😂😂 Hungergamesphillia? This was a great video! Super informative, I adore your craft videos! Definitely more craft videos. You do a really great job explaining and breaking down your advice 💛💚💙💜

[@AlexaDonne]

I'm so glad it works! It's always tricky to put into words how the craft stuff works... but I'm glad I'm pushing myself to do it, because it's helping me understand my own writing better, too!

[@amandawilmot6780]

Alexa Donne I know what you mean! I'm getting ready to post a series on characters and the crafty technical stuff can definitely be hard to put into words! You do a great job though! And you're right, it does help!

[@elisa4620]

Thank you for this video. It was clear and informative. And the examples really helped demonstrate your points. Actually, if it is not already done, I would really love a second part video where you would give a few more examples of each kind of conflict from various books.

[@cifge_404]

You know what my problem is? My characters NEVER FAIL AT ANYTHING. Why? Because I'm so attached to them that the thought of suddenly slamming roadblocks in their way pains me. I know it's a problem, but I pretty much can't help it. XD

[@aaliyahkatarina7791]

Kirstyn Todd It’s funny, cause I kinda love putting my characters in embarrassing/hurting situations. (I do realise that, that made me sound a bit psychotic 😅) Ex my MC has social anxiety and is super scared of doing anything wrong and on her first day at a new school, she falls off her horse in front of everyone, and her foot gets stuck in the stirrups 😂😂

[@cifge_404]

@@aaliyahkatarina7791 Wow, poor girl. XD

[@cifge_404]

WOAH YOU CAN MENTION PEOPLE NOW WAAAAAT

[@aaliyahkatarina7791]

Kirstyn Todd ahaha yea 😂

[@chibichocofairy]

You can think about structuring the conflict to be a situation that shows off your character's virtue..am going to use the hunger games as an example here because that's what alexa did, when Katniss's sister is selected (conflict) Katniss volunteers as tribute...showing that she is brave and caring. Or to show your chracter's flaw--when the commenter's character falls of their horse we get to see how clumbsy and anxious she is in social situations,

[@aarniimmonen9374]

I don't think you mentioned it, but freedom is also a really good motivator and loss of freedom is pretty high stakes :)

[@samauthor342]

Loved this. Conflict: What happens when things don’t go as planned? Stakes: what will you lose if things don’t go as planned? That’s how I’ll remember it from now on 😁

[@chloeisla2989]

I feel like I’ve stumbled upon a full writing course and self help program, every single question I have, you have a video for! Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!

[@lemonadedubois2347]

I was obsessed with the Hunger Games in 2012 and I just reread them while noticing more craft elements, and I agree with you! It is so well done, and one of the best dystopian novels I've ever read.

[@cooltiger07]

After watching this video I read all the Fireblood books in one weekend. I LOVED them! The conflict was so well done! Thanks for recommending them!

[@Claire.SageGreenCreative]

Awesome examples! Your older videos still are gems and evergreen! Sorry for off topic but do you remember what makeup your wearing beer? Your concealer looks so smooth and comfortable. In the market for some for sensitive skin. Sorry if too personal of a question 💚

[@lefusilterribles8847]

Literally, you are my new favourite youtuber! I get to learn and have fun

[@victoriaolender6289]

You have a wonderful, enthusiastic way of presenting info! It's very clear, engaging, and you use a variety of examples to drive home your point. Now I'm searching local libraries for Frostblood because you made me want to read it XD Sidenote: I'm very picky about my YA reading choices because I feel like a lot of it is been there, done that (I feel like there are too many recycled themes and character types out there, especially within romance YA), so to see two characters actually hate each other before liking each other is refreshing. I think you explained different types of stakes, conflicts, and conflict within conflicts very well, and in a way that can apply to both beginners and professional writers. You broadened my view of what conflicts really are, and how to use different types. I had no idea there were so many of them! Thanks for sharing your advice!

[@bluelamp285]

Thank you SO much for your videos Alexa, they're so helpful and eye-opening! 🥰

[@thereccher8746]

All stakes are about death. Either death of the body or death of the soul. A piece of you dies and you have to live with it. Mental health, identity, your home, a loved one etc. I personally prefer the later over the former. Once the character is literally dead they won't care anyways.

[@DarkPrinceOfClowns]

What kinds of internal conflicts exist? I've read about guilt, that's an obvious one. It's difficult to figure out exactly what it feels like, or people's internal thoughts when processing it...but at least I've heard a few examples that friends like to anguish about repeatedly. But what other kinds of internal conflicts is there? If you're forced to do something that goes against your morals, I would have thought your anger would be directed at the other person and not yourself. I'm having a really hard time imagining what other conflicts one could possibly have with oneself.

[@Grains_of_truth]

I am binge watching your book writing and editing playlist. I write on Wattpad and your videos have changed the way I write. I am having to go back over my books to completely edit them which will be a grind but if it makes for better reads, then great! I normally start by sketching out what I want to happen in each chapter as a guide for me. Since I write Anime/Manga Fanfiction, the characters are already established but I twist it by making some characters Yandere. I am editing these stories whilst I listen to you and trying to apply what you have taught. Thanks !!

[@kimm8629]

First of all, thank you so much for your advice! 😆😆😆 I am growing so much as an author in my first novel. But, did you mention Throne of Glass?

[@KyokosCloset]

Gave some great examples, and described some styles of conflict... but would have been really great to get some tips... how did these specific examples of high stakes and conflict become effective? What strategies and techniques did writers include to make these more powerful so the audience would care more. What were the subtle bits they included to make the audience actually care about the character.

[@Si2Si2Si3]

i love the hunger games example it is just so familiar already

[@d84928]

THE CAT!!!! ❤️🧡💛💜So cuuuttte!!

[@ishanieishanie5867]

very well explained. Thank you!

[@HeyYoshi]

Love your videos. Keep it up !! When my book is published I’ll comment again. You’ve really helped me. Thank you.

[@gailasprey7787]

I love how Harry Potter makes stakes. At first, everybody is saved. The day is completely won. But the fourth book shows Cedric’s death and Voldemort’s rise. Then, the next books always have death and destruction until finally the day is one. But the battle wasn’t easy and caused Teddy, Lupin and Tonks’s son to become an orphan and George to be left without his other half. Amazing stakes and an aftermath that makes the story not seem kiddy in the slightest.

[@JasonGreenslopes]

I adore your cat! And thank you for the excellent video!

[@brianedwards7142]

"Not now, Kato. I don't have time to fight you!"

[@tristanlea3950]

Glad I found this channle too. Late to the party as well, but enjoy the fresh and to the point help and guidance. ♥️

[@hannahhannahhhh]

This is totally unrelated to your info (which is brilliant btw), I love your lip color!

[@anneobermeyercameron7775]

Ty for all your insight! Very helpful

[@philosophicsblog]

"Conflict & Steaks." I've got a name for my next pub.

[@G-ForceJoJo]

I'm glad that I read the Hunger games before I saw the movie 😌 This is really helpful, and conflicts are the roots for every story

[@Neil-writer-author]

When an author is writing a series, is it common to have an inciting incident, build up of character development/ tension, and finale for each book?

[@Themoment888]

Each book should have a conflict and character development is a process that happens and evolves in each book. You're characters most likely won't be the same person by the end of the series.

[@lesternapoleongreen7543]

Can you talk about at all about writing effective horror? I understand these even stories follow the same general structure as fantasy or action based works, but I just wondered if you might talk about how to effectively nail horror fiction.

[@Sarcasticass]

Came here for writing tips and learned the cat lady loves the Hunger Games.

[@ashlynseah2575]

“i hesitate to say losing your soul” my whole plot: people losing their souls

[@passantamreltarek9946]

The most helpful video I have EVER seen!

[@samavitt]

mentions Hunger Games, Throne of Glass, Red Queen etc... this the channel for me

[@cece_is_me6268]

I love how much you love The Hunger Games! I'm fully here for it

[@kennethsmith135]

Keep using the Hunger Games as an example. Using the same story, makes it easy to follow.

[@brandongrey9240]

Alexa this isn't book even though there's a few comic strips for it but everything you've talked about in this video is used in a masterful way with this show called Avatar The Last Airbender. When I say this show is a near masterpiece, I'm talking every single topic you've covered on this channel regarding character, world-building, and magic systems is done almost perfectly. I can't stress more that you give this show a watch it's only 3 seasons (following the rule of 3) and it's family friendly, very funny and deeper than a fucking canyon. Please Alexa w a t c h i t

[@CartoonOptune]

I'm just curious. I would argue that Mockingjay is (spoiler alert?) "the Hunger Games without the actual Hunger Games". I know the movie adaptation when they fight in the city, Finnick says, "Welcome to the 76th annual Hunger Games." Do you consider the conflicts in the book to be the "Games" at higher stakes, or would you have preferred Collins to have somehow incorporated more traditional HG's somewhere in the novel like with Pres. Coin?

[@AlexaDonne]

Mockingjay definitely breaks the structural/pacing formula of the first two and I think it's why so many people didn't like it. Admittedly, I didn't care for it upon first read. But, when I reread the entire series back-to-back years later, I ended up really loving Mockingjay for what it was... but I think the expectations for most of us going into it, with the break between books, was another high-concept, fastly-paced book which... it is not! It's a very "internal" novel that is basically about PTSD and is character driven... and books like that approach conflict/stakes very differently! It's basically mostly internal conflict & character-driven conflict. I think it works for what it is if you like that kind of thing, but I can see where it failed on many levels for a lot of people. If that makes sense?

[@CartoonOptune]

Yeah, I definitely see that. I think that's the biggest pitfall with doing a series. It's like readers will only permit so much diversion from the "winning formula" which brought readers to the series to begin with. MJ seems to be the "child" not like the other "older siblings" in the family. Comparisons are inevitable, but I definitely see your point at looking at the story on its own merit.

[@studiosamantha6524]

You’re advice is super helpful and has helped me become a better writer ❤️

[@josefinasotes796]

I have a question... When talking about "low" stakes, for example, unrequited love or something like that, is it okay to base multiple conflicts in the story (like misunderstandings or almost moments, etc) on the same stakes? Like a couple can't be together and have multiple conflicts due to this single stake?

[@desmanostrikes5644]

Can you make an episode on how to write episodic story telling as in each chapter is more or less self contained and only contributes to main plot a little at a time? An example of that would be Huckleberry Finn or the adventures of Tom soyer

[@j.m.wilson4277]

My friend had the following convo with someone about their book: Him: gives a long winded complicated “summery” of the novel. My Friend: so what’s the conflict of the novel? Him: oh, I’m not writing that kind of book. My Friend: …mmmm…??

[@robmills5098]

Well thought-out, thanks.

[@a.ismaeel]

Awesome video. Thanks a lot.

[@scallahan5123]

A problem I heard from some readers is that conflict can be too overbearing. For example, multiple people have said that in The Fault in Our Stars the "wins" were too small for the "loses" and they ended up putting the book down. But, of course, there's the people who raved about it. Do you think there is some sort of balance between conflict and things working out or it's just a matter of personal preference?

[@KrystinaLiberty]

I love the Hunger Games. Totally good with you using it.

[@joshbryant6366]

i haven’t read hunger games but you really make me want to!!!

[@gem9535]

Honestly, LIFE has stakes and conflicts. Pretty hard to make a book without either, even if it's mostly internal conflict and such.

[@frances5525]

I love your advice!

[@miralyse.3846]

Have you read Paul Auster's Moonpalace? It's just the protagonist not doing anything with his life. At some point his girlfriend gets an abortion and leaves him, but he still doesn't do anything. And then the book ends.

[@kiarajacob7765]

This helped mee sooo much!! Thankyouu❤

[@nviz47]

Love this! Thank you :)! SUCH A GOOD HELP: D

[@TheReadingWerewolf]

Conflict. It is important.

[@SysterYster]

As you were talking I realized there's a trope that I really dislike. The romantic trope that couples have to HATE each other before they get together. Why? It's extremely rare in real life. Most people get together because they like each other, and they rarely hate each other before that... Sure, some people might not really notice the other, or it simply doesn't click immediately. But hate and conflict that magically leads to love? Naaah. That's been done to death, and in my opinion, wasn't very good or realistic to begin with.

[@elisa4620]

Agreed. It's almost a cliché at this point. It's also so rarely we'll done (as in believable) and I am surprised at how popular this trope is.

[@SysterYster]

@@elisa4620 Indeed! The only thing it does is strengthen that old dumb idea that guys being violent/teasing/mean to girls actually love them, when in fact, it's abusive behaviour that shouldn't be romanticized. There are probably a few good examples with believable characters where this happens, but it's exceedingly rare, and even rarer in real life.

[@morningmayan]

great video thank you!

[@TheAngelOfDeath01]

You cannot have ANYTHING without conflict and stakes. Even something as mundane as going to school can be a conflict in of itself, actually; with relative ease, I might add.

[@stonzi32]

What about to much conflict. I've noticed in my writing that I love making my characters suffer. I enjoy tragedy because I feel like I can make it more emotional that way, but can to much of it have the opposite effect?

[@Yankeezcap]

that show about a girl who doesn't do anything is called WATAMOTE. it's actually pretty popular.

[@melissamybubbles6139]

I'm curious about how readers can select the right amount and type of conflict for them. Also, can there be a fantasy novel without directly confronting dystopian atrocities, without depriving the world of any severe or pervasive problems and the characters of any experiences beyond the domestic?

[@calvinbrown3034]

your channel is awesome this video may help me have some thing worth reading after nano

[@virginiaweir-hj1rt]

Love your vids, Alexa. I'm a subscriber btw. Give Teddy the car a Dreamie from me, LOL!

[@dumbspartan]

could you please do a video about how to boost your inspiration!

[@briansloanjr.7729]

Thanks, I enjoyed the video!

[@TheMatheushorta]

You are VERY likable lady. Mom of the writing comunity

[@SysterYster]

I haven't actually seen the Hunger Games. XD I did see the Japanese predecessor, Battle Royale, which I enjoyed. Maybe that's why I didn't feel compelled to see the American almost-remake?

[@susanbuckminster282]

Thank you!

[@platoniczombie]

Alice in Wonderland. A beloved book, but stakes...?

[@saecsee]

You help me so much!

[@Madlymarmalade]

I love your videos... very helpful. Plus, I adore hunger games.

[@blanska]

I'm struggling with stakes in my novel, because when I asked what will happen to my protagonist if he doesn't reach his goal, my answer was... he'll just have to keep trying until he succeeds or until he eventually dies in some way. Because his problem is not an outside threat, it falls into the Unhappiness category. And that in itself will not punish his failure. So, is that truly not enough? Do I have to add stakes later on to the story to make failure something that would actually hurt him? Something that would put him in a worse place than his original unhappy state? There is a chance that the more I think about this the more I'm confusing myself :P

[@hanomazom9670]

Great, practical, informative vids!

[@miakristiina1847]

Luminar..? What is the book she refers to

[@criticalanalystcommentary]

maybe try adding background music to your videos, but i honestly love how raw you are with the truth. it's not offensive to me, but actually refreshing.

[@tinamcbride5423]

This was a great video, lots to think of. I also want to check out your friends book ❤

[@tobysinbad]

These are great videos but I’d love some different examples that provide structure than like trials and tournaments

[@sweetpeabee4983]

Ngl that novel about a girl who lives in a coal mining town and doesn't leave, just goes to school and has conversations and learns things, sounds like something I'd read the hell out of lol. Like a dark mirror Anne of Green Gables or something.

[@nandinitivakaran1891]

What do you think of the Little House on the Prairie books? What makes them interesting? I can't think of any clear examples of conflict... maybe some relationship things in the later books, but the initial books, I'm not sure.