All good stories contain conflict. Sometimes it’s good against evil, or a misunderstanding that snowballs out of control. Sometimes it’s a humorous mix-up. Whether visiting family, traveling, or attending summer camp this summer, recognize the potential for great stories.
Family Conflict
What better place to look for conflict than within your own family. Sibling spats, In-law imperfections, and cousin capers all scream conflict. Some of the best family stories involve everyday events blown out of proportion. Think about all the ways siblings get under each other’s skin. Something as simple as a trip to the store can be the basis of a conflict-laden story. Maybe your in-laws are driving you crazy. That’s conflict. So are competing traditions. Make these family problems the center of your story for maximum effect.
Travel
At the beginning of the school year teachers often ask students to write what they did on their summer vacation—a kind of travelogue. Imagine the poor teacher who reads: My family drove to Idaho where we saw our cousins. On the way home we camped at Zion National Park. There were lots of cool rocks and animals. Now multiply that times however many students are in class. Wouldn’t it be more interesting for your teacher to hear about the trick you and your cousins played on your parents, the flat tire on the way to Zion, and the bear that raided your Styrofoam cooler and took off with all your food? Conflict makes everything more exciting!
Summer Camp
Maybe you’re lucky enough to spend time at summer camp. Lounging at the lake, mountain hikes, and evening campfires might seem conflict-free until you think of sunburn, mosquitoes, and hot flying embers. Take those experiences and create a rhyming poem or song. Just remember to add conflict for a satisfying story.
Summer brings many writing opportunities. Visiting family? Collect family stories and write them down. Taking a trip? Journal your travels. Summer camp? Capture the essence of camp in verse or write a song. No matter what path you choose, set aside time to record your thoughts.
