The mistake that makes writing boring

[@cosmicprison9819]

The main problem I have with the over-emphasis of conflict is that a lot of writers hear the word “conflict” and think “characters fighting with each other over nothing” - rather than “characters respectfully disagreeing with each other on fundamental issues” (such as in Star Trek).

[@DattaGroover]

I agree, @cosmicprison9819, conflict is something that needs to be applied carefully within the context of the story. I think the best examples use a variety of levels of conflict. Star Trek, as you mention, has some great low-level conflicts, but also has huge high-level conflicts (like the Klingons trying to blow up the Enterprise--again).

[@stevecarter8810]

Conflict can also be internal or environmental. It's anywhere that success isn't assured, right? Deciding whether or not to fill the car with fuel when you have to go a long way in a hurry is a conflict. If yes, you may be late, if no, you may not get there. Disclaimer: posting before watching

[@TaLila360]

You helped me understand what the conflict is in the story. Thank you!

[@DattaGroover]

Thanks for letting me know. That's music to my ears.

[@ahubuni]

This was super helpful! I am trying to write an opening for my visual novel and this helps a lot :D

[@DattaGroover]

Cool. Happy to hear that.

[@ginacinnamon7402]

Good tips actually for those whose easily get bored writing novels

[@DattaGroover]

Thanks, Gina!

[@andyhurrell]

"Conflict'" - is it the most compelling aspect of inter-character or group dynamic relationships? Does tension benefit from release, like it does in classical music harmony? Should there be an ebb and flow in the depiction of conflict?

[@DattaGroover]

I would say it's one of the most compelling, Andy. It definitely gets people's attention. I would say how tension is released is all-important. I also agree that there should be an ebb and flow with conflict. It is more interesting and more realistic.

[@patricia2078]

It's a great video I'm surprised it doesn't have more views !

[@DattaGroover]

Thanks Patricia. I'm not clear on how KZbin shows videos. IN any case, I'm glad you liked it.

[@longevityliving6374]

Interesting. The book I’m writing is probably like a memoir and I think so far I have actually left out some conflict on purpose thinking that it didn’t follow the subject matter. I’m going to start thinking about this differently now. It could be challengin but an interesting challenge. Thanks Datta!

[@DattaGroover]

Conflict definitely gets attention, and it keeps people turning those pages.

[@sofiaoriana9070]

Agreed. Don't treat your characters too preciously, put them through hell and back. It doesn't have to be a zombie apoclypse, it can funny or family drama but it shouldn't be all smooth sailing. Also don't write conflict for conflicts sake. The conflict should move the plot forward where the characters end up in a different place then they started. Even feel-good books having conflict. Love your content!

[@DattaGroover]

Thanks!

[@MrAdrienmartinez]

Thank you. :)

[@DattaGroover]

You're welcome!

[@DattaGroover]

You are more than welcome!

[@pauligrossinoz]

It seems odd to me that _any_ writer would push back on the focus on conflict. I'm trying to write a novel now, and my starting point was 'don't be boring', but it took me a while to realise that _lack of conflict is just boring._ Now I'm sold on the idea of needing continuous conflict to keep the reader engaged. I wish I saw this video years ago. 👍

[@DattaGroover]

Thanks, Paul. Glad you like it. In my experience, many writers I've worked with avoid conflict on the page and in life. Not that I look for conflict, but I don't run from it either.

[@Opa_Joke]

I have problems sticking too long at something sometimes before something happens

[@DattaGroover]

Been there. Done that.

[@DattaGroover]

Things need to happen often enough to keep readers interested.

[@aaronsaunders6974]

I wouldn’t enjoy it, but would try to resolve the book by getting to the ending. Recently encountered a really boring novelette.

[@DattaGroover]

I hear you. There are WAY too many boring books that are published.

[@obiegbunkiruka2750]

Fine video

[@DattaGroover]

Thanks, Obiegbu.

[@DattaGroover]

Glad you found something of value.

[@francesnordan2915]

Yeah I am a horror writer and it's true that people want to feel something

[@DattaGroover]

Pretty much all readers do, unless they just want to learn something in non-fiction. Even then, people want to feel. They just may not admit it to themselves.

[@FondsRL]

My new story i am writing seems fun to me but i think the best way to judge is with others criticizing it so i will give the first couple 500 words or some if someone is interested in criticizing it Something seems odd about nature. It so beautiful yet so dangerous. As lovely as frogs are some can kill multiple with one touch yet they are magnificent looking creatures. Hiding their poison from our vision, yet sometimes these beautiful creatures arent dangerous and just wanna be left alone they mean no harm, only if u do But humans. What do they have? No mesmerizing colors. No actual danger. Just our creations can destroy, but us alone? Nothing... we made ships. Airplanes. Entire city's full of weapons and money. But it didn't start like that. Nature didn't just give them towns of gold. They started out like all the others. So maybe just maybe. They do have something. They aren't beautiful like the others not dangerous like them. But one thing they do have. Intelligence Medieval times circa 500 A.D. Axes chopping, Armor shining. Humans where doing good, well depends on how u look at it. I see it as a beautiful era full of life and battle. But you might see it differently. Even though we have different visions we can agree that this era. Was a era full of battles. Humans are a large group of animals all fighting for the first spot as much as it might not seem like it today there are still ones trying to sit on the throne above all. But every single one is unique not all wanna be rulers some just wanna life the best life or become a wealthy hero. Either way they all have there own story its hard to know all so lets focus on one singular book in the library and read it with passion. Mom! Look i got one! A fish the boy said smilling from ear to ear. I wonder what its name is, i got it! Jeffry. He said as his mom agrees with him. Sounds wonderful now we have something to eat tonight. Ahw.. but i wanna keep him. Fine but who is gonna take care of jeffry. I will! Of course you will. The mom said to herself. the boy ran outside through the corn farms and past the knights he was running through streets with Jeffry in both hands like it was his own child. He went to a shop. And bought some food and bowl for Jeffry. "That will be five gold!" Oh... i only have four my mom said that would be enough.... listen kid. the shopkeeper said. I am not gonna give it for free but if you grab that broom and clean that dirty floor i will think about it. But the boy had jeffry in his hands he cant leave him somewhere on a table to grab the broom. The shopkeeper agreed to hold the fish for him as the wind was blowing past his face from the door that smashed into its frame. Dust touching the sky , the kid was doing really well. And the shopkeeper noticed too, he said: ok that is good you can get your stuff! But first.. what is your name kid? "My name is josh sir, josh wasel"

[@FondsRL]

I still need to correct typos btw

[@DattaGroover]

You may want to try sharing that at one of the online writing groups. There are several on Facebook alone.

[@EmilyGloeggler7984]

Even with no mistakes, writing is boring to me, and I honestly am happier focusing on more important things. :)

[@DattaGroover]

That is totally up to you, Emily. I respect that choice, but I think it depends on what you read.

[@mindy1230]

If you ever want to read a boring book I recommend "The Road". It started bleak and depressing and only kept getting worse until I threw it at the wall with only a few chapters til books end. Lol. I have read Holocaust stories that were less grim. I am sure it was what the writer was going for, but it should have been the characters who suffered, not the readers. I think predictability should be the second deadly sin for boring writing. Of course clichés.

[@DattaGroover]

Thanks for that, Mindy. I agree with you on all counts. I tried to read The Road a couple of times and just couldn't get very far.

[@pezeron24]

The Road is one of my favorite books. I like dark stories.

[@BookClubDisaster]

Well that's where tastes differ. I found it spellbinding.

[@Alice_Liddell_1865]

Alright

[@DattaGroover]

🤓

[@alexcracker]

"У вас несчастные случаи на стройке были? Не, пока еще ни одного не было. Будут" That is from one russian film "Операция Ы"

[@DattaGroover]

I'll take your word for it, Alex. 🤔

[@zigaudrey]

Life is full of conflict, mental and physical. Even the smallest thing. But that human, right?

[@DattaGroover]

It is, @zigaudrey, and it also makes writing interesting.