Internal and External Conflict: The Engine of Fiction

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  • @thattruecrimechannel3253
    @thattruecrimechannel3253 3 роки тому +69

    My screenplay teacher in university once said something I never forgot “happy people have no story”
    What you say in the beginning of this video resonates with that statement

  • @swedishmanguy
    @swedishmanguy 3 роки тому +92

    Excellent advice.
    Now, time to turn my boring true story into something worth reading.

  • @theallenshire268
    @theallenshire268 21 день тому

    I am even more impressed with your writing ability knowing that you see yourself as a "pantser" The incredible organization necessary for the Left Behind series just to keep track of what is going on and where everyone is blows my mind. I loved/hated those books. Every character had so much going on and so much at stake, I would avoid picking one up if I didn't have a weekend with no commitments because I did not want to put it down once I did. But when I did get a chance to get lost in your story I was truly lost in it. Days and nights ran together and food was optional. lol Thank you so much for putting so much into those books and making them unforgettable!

  • @harisankarkk2200
    @harisankarkk2200 3 роки тому +63

    This is the most well explained video about conflict I've seen. I've been told time and time again it's important but i think i only understood it now. It made me realise why I love only some scenes i write and hate others. Love all your videos. Thank you.

  • @kenward1310
    @kenward1310 3 роки тому +19

    You consistently provide some of the best writing advice on the platform. Always look forward to your videos. Thank you.

  • @DriveupLife22
    @DriveupLife22 3 роки тому +25

    Hey Jerry! I finished my first novel manuscript today, thanks for all the advice! It was totally typewritten and I havent edited a word. Time to revisit the tips on editing!

  • @asiamarie5068
    @asiamarie5068 3 роки тому +3

    ive never subscribed so fast. as a 16 year old high school student whose dream is to write a novel that people can enjoy, i can say ill be watching a lot of your videos in the near future to help cultivate my writing🤍

  • @snedge28
    @snedge28 3 роки тому +10

    Your videos always offer some new insight to my stories. They change my plots and make my characters more rounded. My characters would argue your videos make their life harder, but I'll go with more conflicted and complex.
    Thank you.

  • @ShreeNation
    @ShreeNation 3 роки тому +3

    This is so true! Might I add, conflict between MCs and supporting characters are equally important. Great room for great dialogue that way.

  • @andreabrasier4393
    @andreabrasier4393 Рік тому +1

    Thank you so very much for the help! God bless you, Jerry!

  • @dietofly1
    @dietofly1 2 роки тому

    Jerry B Fricken Jenkins! To instill real faith and belief in a young writer can not be given too great a praise. It still baffles me that a 7 minute video on the internet can create so much within me - passion, and belief. Those very things that may well change my life. God bless you, Jerry B Fricken Jenkins!

  • @3DAYSMINISTRIES
    @3DAYSMINISTRIES 11 місяців тому +1

    This is so helpful!! I've written 2 novels, I wish I could have known half of what this video says at that time!! Im currently working on my 3rd novel now, I'll definitely incorporate these tips into it!! Thank you so much Jerry Jenkins!!

    • @michellek6533
      @michellek6533 6 місяців тому +1

      Congratulations on completion of your 2 novels. Prayers for your third, in Jesus name.

    • @3DAYSMINISTRIES
      @3DAYSMINISTRIES 6 місяців тому +1

      @@michellek6533 Thanks, it's really appreciated!!

  • @servicessundered
    @servicessundered 3 роки тому +3

    Crazy how I've been researching and thinking and struggling (like hell) with this topic for several days now, and then this video pops up. Thanks Jerry!

  • @inspiredbycreation4121
    @inspiredbycreation4121 3 роки тому +1

    Mr. Jenkins, You are a master at your craft of writing. I have learned so much from you.

  • @kathyl6677
    @kathyl6677 3 роки тому +2

    The first thing I learned was wrong with my story was that the community was "perfect." I needed conflict, and I'm still learning. In this case, realizing that "conflict" doesn't have to mean a fight or war. Traffic jam or disagreement is also conflict.

  • @ElderBill
    @ElderBill 2 роки тому +2

    Excellent, Jerry. Your videos feel like a master class. Thank you very much.

  • @AlexanderDickey-zw5qt
    @AlexanderDickey-zw5qt Рік тому

    As a writing hobbyist I started down the road to starting a novel. In only watching two videos. This one being the second. Its inspired me to hurdle my first writers block and improved my technique.

  • @jonaswolf6135
    @jonaswolf6135 Рік тому

    Me as a young writer really struggle with mi writing style and perfecting my stories. This video helped me understand one of my biggest problems. Thank you very much.

  • @maxwrigley6885
    @maxwrigley6885 3 роки тому +6

    Congratulations on your Golden anniversary

  • @desertgecko4549
    @desertgecko4549 3 роки тому +9

    Always nice to see a new video from you, Jerry. And this is an important topic overlooked by many new writers. Also, I about giggled when I heard you say "endearing." I've been known to suggest a time or two (hundred) that an endearing protagonist beats a weak plot or other shortcomings. But that isn't to say characters must be perfect to be endearing. Quite the opposite is true, because for characters to be endearing they must be relatable. In one of my stories is a hefty mother with a voice like a foghorn, who spills out from dresses much too tight and too short for her middle-aged figure. She grew from a nosy gossip into a mama bear who went to extremes for her children. My readers relate to and love this unlikely heroine.
    We should ask ourselves: Does the plot change our character? Or does our changing character alter the plot? If, and only if, we can answer yes to both are we on to something. Our plot is the characters are the plot. Questionable syntax notwithstanding, ponder that last sentence.

  • @michellek6533
    @michellek6533 6 місяців тому

    Thank you for this excellent helpful talk Jerry. You said Superman's weakness is Kriptonite, I think yes, but also Lois Lane.
    Also had me thinking about heaven, and wondering if there will be 'movies' of stories of great triumphs over evil from history, stories of conversions… and "He has done great things" we will say together as each story closes.

  • @ZombieJohn
    @ZombieJohn 3 роки тому +3

    Love that he takes the time to share his knowledge with others

  • @brrryan2908
    @brrryan2908 Рік тому

    FATANSTIC illustrations of your ideas and observations! Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

  • @JDoty77
    @JDoty77 2 роки тому +2

    Excellent, as always, Jerry. Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to help those of us with a dream to get onto paper the stories God gave us to write.

  • @historywatch-4U
    @historywatch-4U 3 роки тому +3

    Each of your videos offers great insight and tips that I don't see on other writing channels and actually work. Please, make more videos! These are stellar!

  • @ScullyPop
    @ScullyPop 3 роки тому +2

    I enjoyed your talk today. Full watch!

  • @salmahmohamed6048
    @salmahmohamed6048 2 роки тому +1

    There's always lots of gems of advice in every single one of your videos. Thank you so much for making and sharing this video, it's short, concise and full of great writing tips!

  • @Anthony-gq7dk
    @Anthony-gq7dk 3 роки тому +2

    Once again, outstanding advice and delivery of same. You have such a wonderful way of presenting the guidelines and avoiding the bear traps. Well done Jerry.

  • @Moebeetus
    @Moebeetus 3 роки тому +1

    I cannot thank you enough! Love your channel. You give such level headed advice without theatrics.

  • @dikibodaniel6259
    @dikibodaniel6259 3 роки тому

    Thank you very much sir. I'm a Nigerian and I find your teachings extremely helpful.

  • @jillballantyne1870
    @jillballantyne1870 2 роки тому

    A heartfelt thank you Jerry! Your teachings are invaluable-- I am writing everyday now :)

  • @edwardgirard6983
    @edwardgirard6983 Рік тому

    thank you so much for all of your help, Jerry.....it is definitely appreciated!

  • @landonpraught9170
    @landonpraught9170 3 роки тому +1

    Thanks for all you do this was a great help .
    I getting ready to start my next novel God bless you .
    Landon

  • @BlakeRobert777
    @BlakeRobert777 Рік тому

    Thank you so much for your advice. They are very very helpful to me for my writing.

  • @sardines4breakfast140
    @sardines4breakfast140 3 роки тому

    please keep posting Jerry! Your information and details and attitude are the best. Really helpful, thank you!

  • @Titere05
    @Titere05 2 роки тому +3

    I heard "Tequila Mockingbird" for a second there and thought, what an intriguing title

  • @clayfinity5501
    @clayfinity5501 Рік тому

    Thank you, Jerry. Comperehnsive and clear. New fan here

  • @inglisibuteasy1043
    @inglisibuteasy1043 3 роки тому

    Thank you .I really did not get all the words , but in general it was perfect.

  • @EmikeOsumah
    @EmikeOsumah 3 роки тому

    Thank you for this insightful video! Your tips, posts, newsletters and videos have been a rock in my writing Journey

  • @pramendhbridgebunsee9242
    @pramendhbridgebunsee9242 3 роки тому

    Very good advice Jerry. I have learnt so much by watching your videos

  • @bradpettit5806
    @bradpettit5806 2 роки тому

    Great teaching, explained simply. Just what I need. Thanks, Jerry.

  • @deborahgalyon7449
    @deborahgalyon7449 3 роки тому

    Thank you for your generous information!

  • @istenafazekakkoztisjelen
    @istenafazekakkoztisjelen 3 роки тому

    Thank you! Your videos are real inspiration for my creativity! You give tools to achieve my goals! I'm really blessed to find your channel.

  • @djones1089
    @djones1089 3 роки тому +3

    I’m also a panther, and I find that it is helpful that when you are done your manuscript to go back a reflect. Sometimes you may have to rewrite entire chapters, but it helps

  • @idongesiteteng9936
    @idongesiteteng9936 3 роки тому

    Thank you so much Jerry. This brought a lot of clarity. God bless you for taking time to mentor me. I wish you could take a look at my first book.

  • @Xavi_LX
    @Xavi_LX 3 роки тому +2

    Good to see you back and healthy Jerry, your advice means so much to me as a 20 year old aspiring writer.

  • @romanglinnik8073
    @romanglinnik8073 3 роки тому

    Wonderful! Thank you very much for your advice! It gave me a few new perspectives which now help me out making my story better. And it helps me stay focused.

  • @gopro_audio
    @gopro_audio 3 роки тому +6

    Remember too much conflict in real life prevents the writer from creativity to generate organic conflict in a story.

    • @lampyrisnoctiluca9904
      @lampyrisnoctiluca9904 3 роки тому

      not enough conflict makes the writteer unable to make us care about conflict in the first place because of his of her ignorance about conflicts.

  • @AstroArians
    @AstroArians 3 роки тому

    Thank you so much, Sir Jerry and congratulation to your Golden Anniversary. 😊👍

  • @madelinemurphy70
    @madelinemurphy70 3 роки тому +1

    I've learned quite a bit from your videos. Thank you!

  • @idesofmars
    @idesofmars 3 роки тому

    these videos are fantastic. i wish Jerry did them more often

  • @JN-hg5wn
    @JN-hg5wn 3 роки тому +1

    Thank you so much Sir. These were fantastic explanation of it all!
    Will absolutely take em close to heart 👍🏻
    Btw, im a panster to, and im so happy to see a new video from you again - 6 months feelt like years!
    Take care and thanks again, for this lovely advice 🙂

  • @obeddolo832
    @obeddolo832 Рік тому

    Great writer, excellent tutor.

  • @TheAngelOfDeath01
    @TheAngelOfDeath01 3 роки тому

    Oh, my word... yeah, this exact problem is often the bane of my writing career... and why I've never been able to get it off...

  • @NeilASmith-p6i
    @NeilASmith-p6i 3 роки тому

    You do a great job explaining how to improve writing skills.

  • @themagicks1066
    @themagicks1066 3 роки тому

    Thank you for your kind words. I do need help on writing characters. Your video help me greatly! Enjoy your 50th anniversary

  • @DCMasturmindz1
    @DCMasturmindz1 2 роки тому

    I have an observation. Ayn Rand wrote with characters that she considered to be ideal: Hank Rearden, John Galt, Howard Rourke. (We might not consider them ideal, they were in their literary worlds.) The struggle they faced were external. They had an understanding of how ideal humans should act and did so accordingly. Within Atlas Shrugged and Fountainhead, what would be the internal struggles they are facing? In my mind, internal struggle has to do with the ability to decide between right and wrong, but those characters never seemed to struggle with those concepts; therefore, in Rand's world, they are perfect. I love both Atlas Shrugged and Fountainhead, and I consider the characters' external struggles gripping. Why do these work?

  • @bookaholic1431
    @bookaholic1431 3 роки тому +2

    Thank you so Much for this, sir!!

  • @troglodytezero1697
    @troglodytezero1697 Рік тому +1

    The interesting thing is I been reading a number of Asian WbN/LN (eng translated) and I am not sure if it's a cultural thing, but in the genre I am reading they don't care much about in depth stories. And once a weak character gains a super busted ability they become unbeatable taking down one bad guy after another. The writing must be seen as good, because Webnovel get picked up and turned into Light novels that have 13+ Vols. Just curious that what some in the West may say is good writing, differs in the East.
    Well of course there's probably an audience out there for anyone, too.

  • @markokuk327
    @markokuk327 2 роки тому

    Thank you for this video too. I find it so helpful.

  • @Ladykatherine221
    @Ladykatherine221 3 роки тому

    Such wise advice, thank you so much!

  • @KaichouClips
    @KaichouClips 3 роки тому

    Thanks for this great explanation. The worksheet is helpful too.

  • @Smoke_Gaming_
    @Smoke_Gaming_ 3 роки тому

    Great video! Very informative and helpful! I always look forward to your new videos.

  • @mirnastoryworld
    @mirnastoryworld 3 роки тому +1

    Great video! Thank you so much!

  • @mohammadmahdi4915
    @mohammadmahdi4915 3 роки тому

    Nice to watch another video of you, always helpful 👌

  • @sambsadashiv108
    @sambsadashiv108 3 роки тому

    Nice video, great explanation, all terms understood thank you

  • @melanienaidoo775
    @melanienaidoo775 3 роки тому

    Thank you Jerry your videos are helping me alot🙏

  • @constancegoldwing5867
    @constancegoldwing5867 3 роки тому

    oooooooooooo YES! I love it when you upload.

  • @bangruidzioba1696
    @bangruidzioba1696 3 роки тому

    Thank you. It's very helpful.

  • @dakshayiniwinslet1421
    @dakshayiniwinslet1421 3 роки тому

    Sir, please make a video on how to write chapter plans for fiction.

  • @jennifercooper2356
    @jennifercooper2356 3 роки тому

    I enjoy your videos so! Thank you!

  • @c.w.johnsonjr6374
    @c.w.johnsonjr6374 2 роки тому

    Happy Anniversary to you and your misses

  • @Hidebehind-500
    @Hidebehind-500 2 роки тому

    Highly informative.

  • @mariansalva4466
    @mariansalva4466 3 роки тому

    Your videos are motivating and helpful, thank you 👼

  • @aivanvillamarzo731
    @aivanvillamarzo731 3 роки тому

    It's great. Thanks for advice ❤️

  • @slogciffan
    @slogciffan 3 роки тому

    Great video Sir.. motivating me to write better and better 🎉🎉

  • @derekh375
    @derekh375 3 роки тому +2

    I love your videos!

  • @pankhurikhanna-tl9zl
    @pankhurikhanna-tl9zl Рік тому

    Thank you sir 🙏🏻

  • @nikpaa389
    @nikpaa389 2 роки тому

    thank you for this channel

  • @chillyproductions4851
    @chillyproductions4851 3 роки тому +2

    I’m going to make my first book! Also I’m about on page 20 something. I don’t know how to publish a book so making that video would be helpful :)

  • @IndianOutlaw1870
    @IndianOutlaw1870 3 роки тому

    Internal conflict is especially challenging within the confines of a short story. But it can be done.

  • @jacobyee4670
    @jacobyee4670 3 роки тому

    Thank you so much!

  • @jacobit49
    @jacobit49 3 роки тому +2

    I recently listened to some of Brad Reed's first podcast episodes. He went over Hills Like White Elephants, I think its called, and the conflict was so subtle. It was the natural difference in agenda shown in the conversation between two people in a close relationship. A great example of how you can inject conflict anywhere on the page. We've only gotta show 10% of that iceberg!

  • @estellaye6245
    @estellaye6245 3 роки тому

    Thank you for the video!

  • @DrAntonioF-B
    @DrAntonioF-B 3 роки тому

    Brilliant - thank you so much 😀

  • @Bibliotecanatalie
    @Bibliotecanatalie 3 роки тому

    Thank you❤️

  • @mistymeredith1935
    @mistymeredith1935 3 роки тому

    I have always loved writing short stories and poetry as a kid and dreamed of being a writer one day, but life happened and 3 kids later I am still dreaming of being a writer. Is it to late for me? Will I have to go back to college for a writer's course? If so how long would it take me to finish? I will be 42 at the end of this month. I feel like I missing out on something I should have done a long time ago.

  • @basri090909
    @basri090909 3 роки тому

    Thank you

  • @SaiqaAskari
    @SaiqaAskari 3 роки тому

    Thank you very much

  • @storypur
    @storypur 3 роки тому +3

    I am your biggest fan sir🙏

    • @SzazaM077
      @SzazaM077 3 роки тому +1

      No, I am!😆😉

    • @storypur
      @storypur 3 роки тому

      @@SzazaM077 🙈

    • @SzazaM077
      @SzazaM077 3 роки тому

      @@storypur, that's a bit of a conflict!😉

  • @محمدعبدالوهابعبدالحليم

    Great tips

  • @tulipflower8947
    @tulipflower8947 3 роки тому +1

    Dear sir, I am a new writer. everytime I watch your tips, it seems like you give me a strength in writting. To not stop and keep going. But, my heart got a little bit sad when I just get knowing the truth about novel industry in my country. Many writers here got around 481 dollar - 963 for one story through publisher. 7% or 8% royalty writer received for 1 book sold. To me it is not worth it for the time and the effort of writers. In my country, you will get higher if your novel is one of the list in best seller. But, it is not a reason for me to stop writing. Just, I fell a little bit disappointed. I really want to hear advice from you regarding this matter. Sorry for my bad english. Thank you very much

  • @BucketOfMarbles
    @BucketOfMarbles 3 роки тому

    Jerry makes great writing videos

  • @storiesbeneaththesurface1942
    @storiesbeneaththesurface1942 3 роки тому

    great video

  • @saraphicseer5982
    @saraphicseer5982 3 роки тому

    Thank you for the instruction. Also, your worksheet redirect site has a typo on it: "Imagine where you’re writing can go with Jerry as your instructor. " (as of 10.20.21)

  • @megankirrmann6624
    @megankirrmann6624 3 роки тому

    Very informative!!!

  • @hafezhesham8541
    @hafezhesham8541 3 роки тому

    Many thanks

  • @IPyroAngel
    @IPyroAngel Рік тому

    Thanks !!!

  • @bland-g154
    @bland-g154 3 роки тому

    another great video!

  • @innkh6915
    @innkh6915 3 роки тому

    Hello Jerry Jenkins, I love writing and I normally write short story. Can you help me to review my short story?