The 5 Ps: Problem - Writing Conflict in a Story

<p>Writing conflict in a story is crucial to hook your reader in the first three pages of a novel. If you’re submitting an entry for The Next Big Story prize, you must jump into the problem quickly and get the reader invested in the journey of your main character ASAP. Tune in to this bonus episode of <em>The Novelry on Writing</em> podcast to celebrate The Next Big Story prize, where you could win $100,000 for the best first 3 pages of a novel. T&amp;Cs apply—see website for details.</p><p><br></p><p>Authors Melanie Conklin and Amanda Reynolds discuss writing conflict in a story. In this episode, we dive deep into:</p><p>✍️ What is a problem or conflict, and why problems are important for storytelling✍️ Types of problems that engage readers✍️ When to introduce the problem</p><p>Perfect for fiction writers looking to strengthen their novel openings and create characters readers can’t forget! Whether you’re a new writer or have a few books under your belt, these writing tips will help you craft more engaging story beginnings and make your first three pages stand out.</p><p>#WritingTips #nextbigstory</p><p>Thanks for tuning in, and happy writing! 🖋️</p><p><strong>Chapters</strong></p><p>00:00 Introduction01:40 What is a problem or conflict?03:06 Engaging Problems05:55 When to Introduce the Problem07:46 The Next Big Story Prize08:28 Internal vs External Conflict11:15 Ask: What if?13:19 Using Character for Plot</p><p><strong>Guest Bios</strong></p><p><a href="https://www.thenovelry.com/team/amanda-reynolds">Amanda Reynolds</a> is the bestselling author of six psychological suspense novels. <em>Close To Me</em>, her No.1 ebook bestseller, was adapted into a major six-part TV series starring Connie Nielsen and Christopher Eccleston, airing on Sundance AMC in the U.S. and Channel 4 in the U.K. Her latest thriller, <em>Her Husband’s Lie</em>, was an Amazon Kindle Bestseller, entering the Top 100 across all genres. </p><p><a href="https://www.thenovelry.com/team/melanie-conklin">Melanie Conklin</a> is the award-winning author of five middle-grade books for children. Her debut, <em>Counting Thyme</em>, won the Nerdy Book Award, Bank Street Best Children’s Book, and the International Literacy Association Teacher’s Choice Award.</p><p><strong>Resources</strong></p><p>Check out these blog posts for more insight on how to write a compelling story:</p><p><a href="https://www.thenovelry.com/blog/life-of-pi-good-writing">Life of Pi Author Explores the 5 Ps of Good Writing</a></p><p><a href="https://www.thenovelry.com/blog/the-next-big-story">Could You Write The Next Big Story?</a></p><p><a href="https://www.thenovelry.com/blog/podcast-page-turning-stories">The Novelry on Writing Podcast: 5 Secrets to Page-Turning Stories</a></p><p>🎧 <a href="https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-novelry">Share this episode!</a></p><p>▶️ On YouTube: <a href="https://youtu.be/s7HpTUg5kC8">https://youtu.be/s7HpTUg5kC8</a></p><p>🔔 Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to our podcast and YouTube channel for more writing tips, podcast episodes, and creative inspiration! Hit the bell icon to stay updated.</p><p><em>📖 Read the full episode transcript </em><a href="http://www.thenovelry.com/blog/the-five-ps-problem">here</a><em>!</em></p><p>📚 Ready to take your writing to the next level? <em>For one-on-one help writing your novel, join us on a </em><a href="https://www.thenovelry.com/which-course">creative writing course</a><em> at The Novelry today. Sign up for </em><a href="https://www.thenovelry.com/which-course">courses</a><em>, </em><a href="https://www.thenovelry.com/writer-coaching">coaching</a><em>, and a </em><a href="https://www.thenovelry.com/community">community</a><em> from the world’s top-rated writing school.</em></p><p>❓Have a question? Chat with Nora at <a href="http://thenovelry.com/">thenovelry.com</a>.</p><p>All writers learn from other writers, even the greats. Write your novel with motivation and support from The Novelry. Sign up! Your story starts