Some stories throw in arguments for drama, action for excitement, or misunderstandings for tension. But meaningful conflict? That’s what leaves a mark. It doesn’t just entertain—it transforms. In today’s Tony Tips Tuesdays™, we’re diving deep into how to create conflict that matters, resonates, and changes your characters—and your readers—for good.

Just like filmmakers did with the Back to the Future trilogy. The final moments of the first film flipped everything on its head: just as Marty settles back into normal life, Doc Brown returns with the unforgettable warning—“You’ve gotta come back with me! Back to the future!” In that moment, the hook was set. Cliffhangers like this don’t just drive sequels—they create legacy. In fact, the end of Part II launches us straight into Part III.

A compelling villain doesn’t exist merely to “be bad.” They challenge your hero, force them to grow, and often embody the darkest mirror of the protagonist’s internal struggle. Villains are not obstacles—they are catalysts. If your readers remember your villain as vividly as your hero, you've done your job right.