Somewhere along the line, it was determined hat the hero of any good story needed to somehow suffer. They must experience conflict to keep the reader interested and keep the pages turning.
Nobody, obviously, wants to read a perfectly happy story where nothing happens.
It’s a fair point. There can’t be any conflict resolution if there is no conflict. Right?
But how much is too too much? Tension, suspense, and conflict are indeed great page turners! No debate there. However, after hundreds of pages of nothing but non-stop conflict, the read becomes exhausting!
Yes, writers may take their liberties with their characters (one of the fun aspects of writing), but that also means they have the ability to give those same characters a break now and then, and give their readers a chance to breathe. The perfect balance between tension and release is a fine art. Ask anyone who is struggling to have an orgasm.
Be well, readers! And stay safe.
Julie M Anderson 