I have a problem.  Sometimes when I read books, the conflicts the characters engage in make me absolutely irate or even sick to my stomach.  I want these lovely characters to get to enjoy themselves.

But then, when I read a book where the stakes are not high enough, where the conflict just isn’t present, I feel so cheated.

This tug-o’-war happens to me not only as a reader but as a writer too.  My writing group will tell you that one of my biggest faults is not including enough conflict for the characters.  (I just feel so bad for them!)  Thankfully, they force me to go back and raise the stakes.  Even I know that it is for the best.

Not to mention any thoughts on conflict in real life …

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Publishing Peace (and Conflict)