Thoughts on Internal Conflict

Still sick guys, but I'm forcing myself to write. Why? Cause I love you... and I need to make sure I stick to a planned schedule so that I can keep a stable author platform leading up to the eventual release of The Paladin. But mostly that first thing.

So today I thought I'd briefly look at internal struggles for characters. It's something that's not always easy to portray, as things like fights with antagonists or races through cities or even just making the tie-breaking shot at the buzzer are so much easier. It's what you're looking for it, it's the crux of the story. But internal conflicts are, or at least should, be a lot softer. What I mean by that is, let's say your character is making that last minute shot. If they make the shot, they've overcome that external conflict. Easy to see. But overcoming internal struggles aren't as visible. It'll only be after the buzzer sounds and the team is crowded around them that you'll realize, "hey, they made the shot despite their self-doubt." That's when you see that they've grown inside.

The hardest part is making this visible to your reader without it being shoved in their face. I know that PTSD has been a common trope for several years now, and I'm not certain that a lot of writers have done due diligence in researching it. Characters tend to break down at random or predictable hesitate at key moments. And while that's certainly within the realm of possibility, it doesn't make for as satisfying an internal conflict as it could. 

Use a paint brush when detailing your character, not a paint roller. Details here that hint at something inside. Make sure they work with the external conflicts, that they go hand in hand to help tell the story of the character and show their progression from beginning to end.

Okay, I'm going to take some more medication and pass out now, but you guys have a happy writing day, okay?

​DFTBA

PS. Technically me being sick is internal, but it's a force I can't control, so it's an external​ conflict. It's me versus this stupid bug. I think that qualifies as Man vs. Nature... not sure. Need sleep.