Conflict is the centerpiece of any good writing. Without it, whatever you write would turn out a little boring. In fact, if you think about it, real life is strewn with conflict. Even if it is only minor in the grand scheme of things, conflict is what drives us to get things done and helps us to accomplish some of the biggest goals. By using conflict in the right way in your writing pieces, you will be able to create a story that makes readers want to read it.


The best ideas often come from your real life. Consider keeping a journal to note conflicts that may come up each day. One great source for some good ideas is work. You can easily find plenty of workplace conflicts that you could base a story around. For example, if you work at a college, like ACU, perhaps the conflict would be something involving trying to secure tenure, or if you work in an office, maybe the conflict is with an annoying co-worker. There are many types of conflicts that can prove to be an inspiration for your writing, even something as simple as an argument with your cat who is refusing to use the litterbox could wind its way into your writing.

Maybe you can’t find the right conflict in your own life. However, chances are that there have been times when you avoided conflict or managed to side step it. Try asking yourself what would have happened if you hadn’t been able to escape the conflict. How would things have played out? What results could have occurred? Asking “what if” is a great way to spark some ideas that can really get your creative gears moving.

Now available is the fantasy novel Darkness Whispers, book one in The Darkness Trilogy by author Aubrie L. Nixon.




When did you first become interested in storytelling?

I am a really good liar. I always have been. I always made up stories and adventures that I had been on. I even had this whole story where Daniel Radcliffe ( Harry Potter) was my cousin, and I used to handwrite letters from him and show them to everyone in my fourth grade class. The teacher finally called my parents to ask if it was true. I figured I should use my story telling talents and put them to good use.

What was your first book/story published?

Darkness Whispers is my debut novel. It was released November 2, 2016. It is the first book in a planned trilogy, along with one, maybe two accompanying novellas.

What inspired you to write Darkness Whispers?

In November of 2015 I went to my first author event to meet Leigh Bardugo. She looked me dead in the eyes and told me that I looked like a writer. I had always enjoyed storytelling and wanted to write books. But, I had never actually thought about doing it seriously. That night, I went home and started on a story i had been playing in my head for years. Thus came Darkness Whispers.

Now available from Fiery Seas Publishing, LLC is the contemporary romance Love In The Fast Lane by author Melissa Kate.



When did you become interested in storytelling?

I’ve always loved a good story. From as young as fourteen years old, I’ve put pen to paper to give outlet to the voices in my head.

What was your first book/story published?

Waiting for You

The blurb reads: Audrey Kelly finds her way back home to Crystal Valley with her bruised pride and a shattered dangerous past mocking her rear view mirror. What she didn’t expect was to be face-to-face with Adam Parker, resident bad boy, sexy Navy SEAL and one of the reasons that Audrey ran all those years ago.

Audrey was the last person Adam had ever expected to see back in Crystal Valley. Over a decade ago, they shared a sizzling night together before he received the worst news of his life and he hasn’t seen her since…until she’d moved back unexpectedly. She was no longer the sweet innocent girl he once remembered, but Adam has his own problems without having to deal with Audrey’s ice princess recital, no matter how tempting the auburn haired seductress may be.

Sparks begin to ignite between them but can they accept Audrey’s past when it threatens to engage them in a dangerous twist? Can they save each other from themselves and stop running once and for all?

What inspired you to write Love In The Fast Lane?

Two things actually. My husband – he’s an absolute grease monkey and adores all things engines and torque and speed and blah blah blah. I usually switch off when he’s trying to give me a mechanics lesson (Sssh don’t tell him). But I find a man who can handle…. Ehem…. His heavy machinery, to be quite sexy. And then you add a gorgeous little boy into the mix, and voila, the story blossomed. Children are funny, they really say the funniest things and I think that translates well into a story.

If you want schedule next week's post, click here to find the next prompt question. To submit a question, fill out this form.

What to do:

1. Post on your blog answering this question:

  This week's question is submitted by Billy @ Coffee Addicted Writer!

Would you take a book with you when you go to your family's Thanksgiving gathering/dinner?

2. Enter the link to your post in the linky list below (enter your Blog Name and the direct link to your post answering this week’s question. Failure to do so will result in removal of your link).


3. Visit other blogs in the list and comment on their posts. Try to spend some time on the blogs reading other posts and possible become a new follower.  The purpose of the hop is to give bloggers a chance to follow other blogs, learn about new books, befriend other bloggers, and receive new followers to your own blog.

  

My Answer: 

 I did when I was a teenager. It was a way for me to ignore a few cousins that I didn't want to be around. Nowadays, I don't read on Thanksgiving.

It seems protein mixes and shakes are becoming more and more popular, even in a small Midwest town. On countless occasions, I have seen men and women with big containers of protein mixes in their shopping carts.

Anyhow, in early October I was sent a 12 lbs bag of Super Mass Gainer: Chocolate Cake Batter from DYMATIZE Nutrition. The 12 lb bag retails for $51.44 on Amazon.com. It's also available in 6 lb bags, and a several different flavors (chocolate mint, cookie & cream, rich chocolate, sugar cookie, vanilla, gourmet vanilla, and strawberry.).

Each serving (2 heaping scoops) contains 1,900 calories, 83 grams of protein, 17 grams of BCAAs, and 7.7 grams of Leucine. You can either mix it with 24 to 32 ounces of water or milk.

It's basically meant to be a meal replacement, but you can decrease the serving amount to one scoop if the 1,900 calories are too much for you.

Now available from Supernatural Central is the paranormal fantasy Nightmare On Jacey Street, book two in the Helens of Troy series from author Janine McCaw.

Cover Artist: Tom McCaw

When did you become interested in storytelling?

It started with long conversations with my Barbie’s and progressed from there.

What was your first book/story published?

My first book was in a completely different genre. It’s called OLIVIA’S MINE and it’s historical fiction, based on true events that happened at Britannia Beach, British Columbia circa 1901. Enough mining disasters to make the BeeGees cry.

What inspired you to write NIGHTMARE ON JACEY STREET?

Nightmare on Jacey Street is the second book in the HELENS-OF-TROY series. In the first book, we learned it is not okay to love a vampire. In this book, we learn it’s never good when the dead are at your door.

Abingdon Press; 188 pages; $16.99; Buy Link; Blog Tour

The holiday is sneaking up quickly upon us this year. Thanksgiving (or now known as Black Thursday) is just over a week away, and there is no better time than the present to start your Christmas shopping.

Now available from from Abingdon Press is the Christmas advent book "The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year" written by Ace Collins.

It's basically a 25 day countdown (Dec. 1st - 25th) till Christmas Day. Each chapter/day begins with a Bible scripture and a short essay or story inspired by the scripture. Then there is section featuring lyrics to a Gospel song. Lastly, there is either a recipe for holiday treats or instructions to craft a homemade gift.

Final Thoughts: This a cute (under 200 pages) devotional that is also a Christmas advent to read around Christmastime. The author has done an excellent job creating a simple, but beautiful little book. The devotional part of each day is written really well, and it never felt "preachy" in anyway. The very first devotional mentions my favorite Christmas movie, "It's A Wonderful Life." While I can't carry a tune, I did enjoy reading the about the different Gospel songs/lyrics. My favorite part of each day is the recipes and gift instructions.

Overall, I enjoyed reading The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year and I recommend it to others.

*I received complimentary copy from the publisher for my honest review and they are 100% my own opinions. I received no other compensation for this review and I am not required to give a positive review. I am also not associated with the publisher or author in any way.







About the Author: Ace Collins defines himself as a storyteller. He has authored more than sixty books that have sold more than 2.5 million copies. His catalog includes novels, biographies, children's works as well as books on history, culture and faith. He has also been the featured speaker at the National Archives Distinguished Lecture Series, hosted a network television special and does college basketball play-by-play. Ace lives in Arkansas.


Learn more about the author at: acecollins.com


You can follow the author on Facebook and Twitter.