Tension = Conflicting Emotions
Posted by annastan on August 25th, 2010. Filed under: A Closer Look, Books, Craft, Resources.I’m almost finished reading The Fire in Fiction by Donald Maass, and I think his chapter on tension is one every writer should read. Tension is what keeps us turning the pages. It can come from a variety of things, but as Maass points out, one of the most effective ways of creating tension is through conflicting emotions.
When I thought about the books that really gripped me, that made me keep reading way past my bedtime, I realized they were full of conflicting emotions. For example, in The Chosen One by Carol Lynch Williams, the main character must choose between marrying a horrible man and destroying her family – there is no “good” choice and she’s conflicted the entire time.
Then I started thinking about The Hunger Games. (No, I haven’t read Mockingjay yet, so shhhh!) We have the danger of the games, and Katniss’s struggle to survive, but there are also conflicting emotions. Katniss doesn’t want to kill the other contestants, but she doesn’t want to die. And, of course, there’s also the love triangle, which is the definition of conflicting emotions.
So here’s an idea: Grab a scene from your WIP, one that you think is intense and full of tension. Now look at what your main character is feeling. Is she conflicted? Does she have mixed feelings about what’s happening or about what she wants? If not, might that kind of conflict raise the tension? And if your character is conflicted, is it possible to pump it up even more?
Maass’s explanation is much more complex than my little breakdown here, so I recommend reading the chapter. The conflicting emotions approach might not be the answer to every problem, but it can be a good way to perk up some saggy middle scenes. And a bit of added tension is never a bad thing, right?
August 25th, 2010 at 9:51 am
Anna, I just picked this book up yesterday and skimmed around last night. Though you have me poking into the chapter on tension, I think I’ll take this from the beginning and take it in order. I like his Practical Tools at the end of each chapter. I thought Writing the Breakout Novel was excellent so I’m looking forward to this one, too.
August 25th, 2010 at 10:02 am
Will definitely have to check out Donald Maas’s book. This post has given me some fresh ideas about my current WIP and how to keep it moving. Thank you!
August 25th, 2010 at 10:08 am
This is good to keep in mind. My one WIP has been giving me some problems, and it may be that there isn’t enough tension.
August 25th, 2010 at 10:49 am
So many people have been mentioning Donald Maass’ Fire in Fiction and Writing the Breakout Novel. I must read them ASAP!!!
August 25th, 2010 at 11:25 am
I agree. He had a couple chapters in there that made it totally worth the price of the book!
August 25th, 2010 at 11:40 am
I’m still reading this book too. I’ll have to make sure to really pay attention to this Tension chapter.
Oh, we’ll definitely have to compare notes on MOCKINGJAY.
August 25th, 2010 at 11:58 am
Andrea, reading the book in order is probably a good idea. I like the Practical Tools, too – very useful.
M.G., I’m glad this inspired you! Thinking about conflicting emotions has definitely made me rethink a couple of scenes in my current WIP.
Alissa, I’m starting to think that upping the tension can help strengthen any story. Good luck!
Laura M, both books really are great resources. They’re a lot more in-depth than a lot of craft books out there, less about basics and more about building on what you already know.
Laura P, agreed! I’m glad I bought this one because I’ll definitely be coming back to it.
Karen, I found it interesting that he pretty much ended the book with the tension chapter. I guess that shows just how important he thinks tension is! Yes, we’ll definitely have to compare Mockingjay notes.
August 25th, 2010 at 1:31 pm
Great examples. I love The Fire in Fiction, and this is a fantastic post about the nature of essential tension. You’re right. It doesn’t come just from what happens. It comes from the inner confict that the character experiences as a result of what happens. Without that, as readers, we don’t connect with the material as deeply.
Thanks for the tips and analysis.
Martina
August 25th, 2010 at 7:47 pm
Great tips. I think I’ll go pull a chapter of my stuff and see what kind of tension it has
August 25th, 2010 at 7:59 pm
Such great advice! I love it and I’m definitely going to use it. Thanks! Oh and MOCKINGJAY? WOW!! But don’t worry that’s all I’m going to say…
August 25th, 2010 at 11:41 pm
I’m huge on tension! Nice post
August 26th, 2010 at 8:02 am
Hey, I’m also reading The Fire In Fiction right now! And I agree, it’s got great tips in there! THanks for this post.
August 26th, 2010 at 7:54 pm
Yay, I just ordered The Fire In Fiction the other day. Now I’m looking forward to read the rest of his tips.