fandomsecrets | [ SECRET POST #6184 ]

[ SECRET POST #6184 ]

⌈ Secret Post #6184 ⌋

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I want to write a story where the conflict element of the story is mild or low stakes, where the obstacles the character faces may come from something like the challenge of a new skill or the frustrations of learning her skills (she's an arts guild apprentice) from different crafting methods to magic. I'm thinking there could be political goings on , and rumors of things among the nobles as a very background thing. Maybe the pressure of tests of skill or commission projects she gets as she gets better.

The focus of the story is less on big high stakes problems and more easy going and about learning and gaining skill and her growing deep relationship with her mentor as they spend more time together.

I've always like the idea of such a laid back story , one that takes the time to sniff the rare flowers and soak itself in exploring the world in depth. But I have always feared it wouldn't be doable because people might find it boring with no big stakes.

Is there a way to make something so ..idk low conflict work?

The idea of low stakes fiction is still kind of new to me, but I read Legends and Lattes and enjoyed it, though it's probably not going to be reread for me. The low stakes conflict there was a former orc mercenary quitting her job and deciding to open up a coffee shop in a place where coffee isn't a common drink. It's cute, there are difficulties in starting her business and developing it, and there's a romance.

IMO, what helped the plot move along was a series of low stakes conflicts where each one was positively resolved. Lots of cozy details really help, too - people love reading about how someone who starts off as a fish out of water finds a place to call home and all the domestic details of how that happens. Making friends that become your new found family is neat. Include character types that people love. Think wish fulfillment type stuff that's built into the story.

OK Cool. I can do that.
Thanks

I love low key stakes, I feel that it gives more room for character work. Low stakes can be just as rewarding as big stakes when you really care about the characters and feel emotionally invested in their struggle; even if it is just against weeds. I find what works best is not only a character that you care about, but one that is also enjoyable to just be around, with a very personable writing style. The right character + complementary writing style can make going to the grocery store an adventure.

Unlike most big stake stories these days where so much plot gets shoved in that there's no character work beyond broad archetypes. It's boring.

Thanks . Yeah. TBH I feel like certain plots are considered better than others is that the lower stakes relaxed, low conflict ones can be trickier to do right. And sadly a lot of the publishing world is like a business that says things that make money are right and things that are riskier are bad.

But that's just me.

Yeah, of course it could work but without a high stakes plot to distract people, you'll have to nail the other stuff, especially characterization. Readers have to be invested in your protagonist enough to want to see her develop and grow at a relatively calm pace. The world building has to be appealing, too. I second the comment about cozy details and wish fulfillment. People who want to read low stakes stories that don't have crazy high conflict tend to want a story and characters that are comforting and homey.

Heh yeah. TBH I've considered a story that is just like... little conflicts coming and being dealt with as they pop up or just taking time slow burning to a greater conflict with occasional small ones to keep things happening in the foreground.

I just worry if they'll be seen as having "no plot" .

Becky Chambers writes low conflict stories a lot. Her first one (The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet) really didn't work for me because she set up lots of conflicts then just...de-escalated them into low conflict resolutions which was very frustrating. But after that she seems to have got the hang of low conflict all the way through and they're more even. So yes, you can definitely do this, but you need to have some kind of through-line of what is happening. That through-line doesn't have to be plot - it can be world-building or character development or relationship development, or her journeyman project - but it has to be something.

Interesting. I'll have to look into her thanks . I like the worldbuilding as a through-line personally. and character development. A little of both of those.

Yes of course, maybe look to slice of life and romcom stories for inspiration even if your setting is fantasy? Stories about relationships, coming of age, communities, and places are very interesting and beloved by many readers.

Interesting. Allright I'll look into resources on writing those well. Thanks!

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[ SECRET POST #6184 ]

How To Make a Low Key Plot Work

Re: How To Make a Low Key Plot Work

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