Muse on Monday – May 26, 2025

One of the main elements of fiction is conflict. There has to be some problem to solve or it is not that interesting to read. A lot of stories take place in horrific circumstances, where there is conflict all over the place. However, could you write a story in a seemingly ideal situation? What would be the small or hidden conflict point? Maybe it is internal in one of the characters or very low stakes (e.g. the restaurant on an expensive Greek resort is out of tzatziki). There are lots of other possibilities. It’s all up to you.

Story Prompt: May 26, 2025

Write a story where everything seems ideal on the surface

If you write a story with this prompt, send me a link to your story on your own site, either in the comments or at info@greenwalledtreehouse.com. You can also submit your story here for a chance to have it published on the site next week.

Have a great week!

6 Comments Add yours

  1. Conflict, my middle name. To cut and parry with one’s characters keeps the reader on the edge of their chair. Of course making it that riveting is the big challenge. I’ve been reading John Grisham, as you know, and he’s the king of conflict. Hopefully some of it will filter from his imagination to mine. Love the graphic as always. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Make the characters miserable, but in an interesting way, the essence of conflict. 🙂 Yes, I like John Grisham too, of course. He just pulls you along with him in the story.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. I’ll say. Then you start chasing him all on your own. 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

  2. May we please change my typo from bug to big so no one wonders what a bug challenge is? I just saw twenty beetles at the starting gate in shorts and Nikes. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. haha, it’s done. Although I do like the idea of a bug challenge…

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Yeah…water bugs taking on ants maybe. The best bug wins. 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

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