Most writers agree that conflict is what makes good writing interesting to readers.  Sure, there are lots of other elements to consider when keeping the reader turning the page, but conflict goes a long way to meeting that need.  Why is that?  Simple. Conflict causes tension and tension begs to be resolved.  The reader cannot stand not to reach a point where the resolution occurs. 

How is conflict created?  The ancient good guy/bad guy battle is a great example, only in modern day novels it is often more subtle.  It’s the cheating wife and the decent husband.  It’s the bigoted churchman and the humanitarian agnostic.  Some of these choices will make your readers turn away because they don’t like to see their character types portrayed badly.  For example, many women will ask why didn’t you pick the man to be the cheating husband and may very well decide they don’t like your story.  You could play it safe and have the mean/incompetent supervisor versus the dedicated employee…everyone eventually has been there and can relate.  Or perhaps you like the “man against the elements” conflict model.  But is playing it safe what writing is all about?  I don’t think so.  I’d rather write two lines that are genuine than twelve volumes of politically correct mush.

The bottom line is to keep the various obstacles in the way of your main character.  Give him roadblocks to overturn.  They may be people or processes or mother nature, but keep them coming and then resolve them.

I recently met New York Times Bestselling Author C.J. Box, and one of the things he told me is something I have felt and struggled with for a long time.  His comment was that you have to really work on that first line of your book.  Make it have punch and really grab the reader.  It has to hook the reader in so they don’t find something more interesting or entertaining to occupy their time.  He gave me a few examples, and while I whole-heartedly agree with him, I can see where the difficulty in doing them in your book can be a struggle.  I also give my readers more credit than he does and think that your hook can certainly be several sentences into the book, but it still has to be there.  And more than anything, your first chapter is extremely critical in developing the interest level in your reader and creating a hook to turn the page to the next chapter.

So here is your assignment, grab any dozen books and read the first line or two.  Then grab one of C.J. Box’s books and read his first lines.  Tell me the difference it makes to you as a reader and see what I mean.  Maybe all the books you choose use this technique well, but I bet you’ll see a difference.