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How to Write a Crime Novel – Conflict

Conflict in a novel is essence of drama and it weaves together all other elements of a novel. Characters bring conflict to life when they are challenged by different situations and have to make choices.

In order to create conflict you first need to know the direction of the conflict and the reason for creating it. One idea on how to write a crime novel conflict is to picture a situation.

For example is you picture a man driving down the highway, ask yourself why is he headed that way. Is he running way from something or is he going to visit someone special? Leave hints on where the story is headed to guide the reader. In this scenario there are many openings to place a conflict. If the character is running away because he stole something, then his car can break down and in the fear of being caught he kills the person that comes to rescue him. This causes drama and conflict with the authorities. As a result, the reader will be interested in the next chapters.

If you like, plan your story ahead of time; be sure that the character has a background story. Use the characters’ past relationships to bring about conflict. A character who is an introvert may be perceived by another as proud and this causes conflict due to misunderstanding. A good novel writer knows how to twist situations and circumstances in the story to bring about conflict.

The important thing to remember if you want to know how to write a crime novel is to have a good storyline. Make unexpected turns with your story. That way you are able to develop conflict and have the reader glued to the book.