When it Comes to Writing, Opposite Goals Attract

You've heard the old phrase, "Opposites Attract"? Well, I'd like to propose that in writing, opposite goals also attract. Only in this case, they attract readers.

When I started my book, TINDER SKY, I had no idea what the book was going to about. All I knew was that I was going to write about two people who each a had a high-stake goal. But the crucial part to this plot was that each of their goal was incompatible with the other's goal.

Lisebette needed to get across the mountains to get back home to her village of Easton. She couldn't go alone because the mountains were brimming with thieves and robbers. Timothy was her only choice to go to for help.

Timothy also needed to get across the mountains, but he needed to go secretly and as quickly as possible. Taking Lisebette would not only slow him down but call attention to his trip.

After I established these goals, most of the story wrote itself.

This is a tool that anyone can use to start their story. Interested in some examples?

• The Cursed City – A rebellious young thief wants to overthrow the corrupt rulers of a city, while a loyal knight seeks to maintain order and believes the city’s survival depends on its strict rule.

• The Lost Crown – A fugitive prince desperately tries to reclaim his throne, while a determined revolutionary fights to destroy the monarchy for good.

• The Shipwrecked Duel – After their ship crashes on a deserted island, a stranded noblewoman wants to build a raft and escape, while a survivalist sailor insists they must adapt and make a new home.

• The Mage and the Machine – A gifted sorceress wants to protect the last remnants of magic, while a brilliant inventor believes magic is outdated and seeks to replace it with technology.

• The Forbidden Key – A scholar is determined to unseal an ancient tomb to uncover lost knowledge, while a guardian warrior is sworn to keep it locked away to prevent disaster.

• The Betrayer’s Choice – A spy has infiltrated the enemy’s ranks to bring them down from within, but their closest ally has vowed to expose all spies to prove their loyalty.

• The Time Paradox – A scientist has discovered time travel and wants to change history for the better, but their partner believes even the smallest change could doom the present.

• The Rival Heirs – Twin siblings, one raised as a ruthless conqueror and the other as a peaceful diplomat, must prove they are the rightful ruler of their war-torn kingdom.

• The Heist or the Rescue – A thief plans an elaborate heist to steal a legendary artifact, but their estranged sibling is determined to return the artifact to its rightful place before it's too late.

• The Love and the Lie – A spy is assigned to eliminate a dangerous target, only to realize their mission conflicts with their partner’s quest to protect that very person.

Let me know in the comments if you've ever used this technique to your advantage.