C is for Creating Complications

Most successful stories follow a hero or heroine's progress through difficulties. Each time your main character sorts out one problem the next one should be at the ready. The writers object is to gain the maximum of suspense in your reader. The way your character solves a dilemma should be realistic and believeable. If you are writing for younger children, make sure an adult doesn't step in and solve the problem.

If you want readers to feel satisfied at the end of your book plan a good climax at the end, and don't forget to tie up loose ends. 

At the last SCBWI conference I attended the agents complained about certain cliche stories and twee  characters. These were the plots they were complaining about;

children foiling thieves

finding buried treasure

being cut of by the tide

children helping Father Christmas

I'm not saying don't use one of the stories on the list. However, if you want to use a cliche situation, make sure you add something fresh and exciting. Remember, everyone said boarding school stories were outdated until J.K came along with Hogwarts. 

My conflict test list

Is there a beginning, middle and end? Sounds obvious? 

Are the characters believable?

Is their plenty of conflict?

Is there a problem to be solved?

Is the ending satisfying?

Have you tied up all the loose ends?

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