Hello, Summer!

The Key to Conflict, Live Coaching Opportunity, Brainstorming Special, and Client Releases to Feed Your TBR!

Happy Summer!

That is a picture of my child’s feet from a very, very long time ago. By the end of this month, I’ll no longer have teenagers. That is a very strange feeling that I’m still trying to process, but I’m super proud of the people they have become.

Both my kids starting their 20s means good things for you! Keep scrolling!

The Key to Conflict

As a new writer, I once went to a workshop where the presenter promised to “show how to put conflict on every page of your story.”

That sounded like an episode of reality television to me. I couldn’t imagine everyone arguing on every page.

Because I had missed a key factor in writing conflict.

Conflict is not confrontation.

Conflict is a decision. Sometimes it is described as an “impossible” decision because either choice has consequences. Those consequences are the stakes. The higher the stakes (the more positive or negative the possible outcome of the decision) the stronger the tension.

This is where movie trailers and book blurbs draw you in.

Like the one below for The Cleaning Lady. I’ve never watched this show but the conflict and stakes are immediately clear.

She is a former doctor who comes to the US to get treatment for her chronically-ill son.

She is made an offer by a really shady dude.

Help me and I will help your son.

She has to make a decision. What happens if she helps him? What happens if she doesn’t? Which of those stakes outweighs the other?

But wait!

It gets worse. Now law enforcement is involved. That’s where knowing the stakes creates the tension. Now we’re worried about her.

What will shady guy do if he finds out she’s cooperating with special agent dude? What will special agent dude do if she refuses to help? What will happen to her child?

Conflict is key to intriguing readers because it forces the question: What would you do?

The Sleeping Baby Dilemma

An example I’ve used when presenting on this topic in the past is a little less life-or-death.

Ever had a cranky child (or a rambunctious puppy) that’s been refusing to nap fall asleep on your lap? For a moment, there is peace. All is right with the world…until those cups of coffee you’ve been downing all morning to function like a human kick in.

Now there is a decision to be made.

A decision with stakes and consequences for each side.

What happens if you get up?

What happens if you stay put?

Which of those is worth the risk?

Does your story need stronger conflict or bigger stakes?

Would you be willing to talk about it during a live workshop?

Story Fuel: Conflict, Stakes, and Tension is June 17th.

I’m looking for a few brave souls who would be willing to talk about their story and strengthen their conflict, stakes, and tension live.

If that sounds like fun to you (or if it sounds slightly terrifying, but you’re still willing to do it) send me an email at DawnAlexanderBooks@gmail.com.

Even if you aren’t ready to share your story, I’d love for you to hang out with us!

The live call will not be recorded, but there will be a recording of the class material available afterward.

Speaking of coaching…

As I mentioned, the child whose feet are featured in the picture above is turning 20 this month! No more teenagers for me.

In honor of that accomplishment, I’m offering a 20% discount on Story Consultations and Code Red Calls booked in June.

You do not have to schedule the call for the month of June. It can happen any time in 2023. It only has to be booked before July 1st.

Are you gearing up for Camp NaNoWriMo? This is the perfect chance to brainstorm that plot before you start writing or to schedule a call afterward to sort through what you pantsed!

Use click the button or use the code June20 at checkout

Save the date!

I don’t have official details for the summer workshops yet.

Right now I plan to offer a Scene Structure class on July 15th and a workshop with the fabulous Roni Loren on August 19th. More details will come soon.

By the way, if you are starting out writing romance or think you might ever want to write romance, Roni has a great class starting June 25th!

Use the code EARLYBIRD30 to get $30 off before June 18

Fearless Romance Writing: The Comprehensive Beginner Course

Client Releases

Looking for something to read while soaking up the sun? Or hiding inside with the A/C? Check out these recent releases from my awesome clients!

First, something super hot from Delaney Foster.

Where Demons Hide is the final book in the City of Sin trilogy.

My advice? Take a lazy summer weekend and binge all three of them!

Want to keep the heat going?

Eva Charles has a new release in her A Sinful Empire series.

Pride is Rafael’s story (excuse me while I fan myself)

It isn’t necessary to have read the previous books to enjoy this one. But, this is the first of a duet. It does end on a cliffhanger! But don’t worry the next one is coming!

Looking for something a little more out of this world?

Check out Fenley Grant’s latest Enchanted Rock Immortals novella: Rings, Rituals, and Rock & Roll: A Love Story.

Really want to get away? Journey to a completely different world with Claudia Blood’s newest Renegades Rising installment.

Lyra is the fourth prequel in this series. It isn’t necessary to have read the other books. It does end on a mild cliffhanger that will be resolved in the final book.

Bonus recommendation

I didn’t work on this one, but it was written by my friend and business partner, the delightful Delancey Stewart, and her partner-in-fiction, Marika Ray.

They are always good for a snort-laugh and some steamy time!

One more thing…

In addition to the class I mentioned above, my friend Roni has a wonderful newsletter for writers who are struggling to find their love of the craft. She’s doing a summer program that details her journey of “reading as a writer.” You should totally check it out!

Happy Writing!