Kairos on Substack

Kairos on Substack

Why Your Conflicts Feel Too Easy

How Pro Editors Make Heroes Earn Each Victory

Brian Niemeier's avatar
Brian Niemeier
Aug 19, 2026
∙ Paid

One of the more common problems that crops up in new authors’ manuscripts also sounds like it should be among the simplest to fix.

The protagonist has a clear goal, and his motive for pursuing it make sense. With each scene, he moves closer to what he wants.

Perhaps a little too close. Because beta readers complain the hero waltzes from victory to victory.

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