Conflict

To create a central premise or conflict that will keep your story interesting across multiple novels:

• Place obstacles in your main character’s path to getting what they want and reaching the final climax

• Turn these obstacles into subplots that provide smaller rises and falls in story tension (for example, to overcome the villain in a fantasy novel, the hero must first overcome his crippling fear of sea travel and make safe passage)

• Move your characters through multiple locations as they strive to reach their goals (be it consummating a relationship or vanquishing a foe). Make each location present its own distinctive challenges.