What Bloggers Can Learn From Storytellers – Part 2

Previously, in Part One of What Bloggers Can Learn From Storytellers, we explored both the effects of storytelling over time and the themes and patterns that emerged as key points throughout otherwise unrelated stories, genres, and storytellers themselves.

More specifically, we explored how a beginning, middle, and end were crucial to storytelling regardless of the medium.

We arrived at an idea that maybe bloggers could also make use of a beginning, middle, and end when writing posts — after all, it’s all about the reader so the better their experience, the more likely they’ll be happy.

Now, I’d like to look at another reoccurring element in storytelling.

2. Conflict

Just as with novels, plays, movies, and other forms of storytelling, a blogger can make use of conflict. If you’re using a beginning, middle, and end, then conflict would most likely be introudced somewhere between the beginning and middle. The conflict is what triggers a bond between blogger and reader — the closer you get to hitting the nail on the head for the reader, the better.

For example, if you were writing a post all about how to change your car’s disc brakes, chances are you will find that readers are interested in what you have to say — because you’ve nailed it; you’ve identified their problem and started moving forward toward possible solutions.

To drama, conflict is the heart at the center of everything. Conflict to the blog on the other hand is more like a hook the blogger uses not only to grab the reader’s attention, but focus on the task at hand as well.

For your next post, try creating a sense of conflict — something troubling — that your readers won’t be able to pass up.

Is anyone already doing this with their own blog? If so, how is it working out?