Conflict and Drive in Characters

Every book needs conflict and something to drive the story forward.

Often this is found within our characters. Their past haunts them. They suffer from shortcomings. They struggle to achieve a dream. All of these things not only add depth to a story, they can be the core plotline. Internal conflict is my favorite and I’ve used it in all five of my books:

Book I - Lori dreams of winning an Olympic Gold Medal in swimming and is driven by this goal.

Book II - Sarah suffers from a poor self-image and struggles to find her value and place in life.

Book III - James is haunted by a past of abuse and fights to rise above the damage and be a better person.

Book IV - Mike is consumed by guilt over two incidents and strains to learn to forgive himself.

Book V - Heather battles a selfish attitude, floundering in her attempts to form meaningful relationships.

What internal conflicts do your characters face?

Spunky on Tour!

It’s been two years since I did a book tour, so this is really special. I am on tour for Overcoming Obstacles with SPUNK! The Keys to Leadership & Goal-Setting. During April’s A to Z Challenge, I’d offered leadership and goal-setting tips from the book and everyone seemed to enjoy them.

This tour focuses more on the writing process and balancing it all when one is more than just an author. Chaos is the balance for me and I invite you to share my journey:

May 18 - My First Book
I discuss characterization with Misha Gericke

May 21 - Irene's Inspiring Book Reviews and Author Interviews
I discuss the beginning of an idea with Irene Roth.

May 22 - Launch Pad Publishing
I discuss the evolution of the typical writing day (for me anyway) with Faye Levow.

May 23 - Life as Leels
I warn writers to beware of the different publishing paths at Leila Brenner’s site.

May 24 - Tina M. Games
I talk about my speaking engagements and what I’m doing now with Tina Games.

May 25 - Communicate with Confidence
I discuss my next project - a publishing and promoting book - with Allie Casey

My focus the past few years has been my speaking engagements, as that is where I’ve been able to share what I’ve learned after almost ten years in the publishing industry and ten years with a motivational training program. I hope that you’ll follow along and learn from my triumphs and mistakes. Better to follow someone through the minefield than venture out alone!

Hosting my First Blogfest

This Friday, I am hosting my first ever blogfest at my other blog:

Sad Songs Blogfest

March 30, 2012


List the songs that move your spirit, cut deep into your soul, and threaten to break your heart. Any that inspire you! Up to ten songs and feel free to include links or videos.


To join, please visit Spunk on a Stick’s Tips