Every writer, in conscience, should know the difference between these two words.

Conscience refers to one’s moral conduct. For example: Having to tell a lie wracked Tara’s conscience.

Conscious refers to one’s perception or awareness – hence, you can be unconscious. For example, Cheri was fully conscious of what the judge’s words meant. Or Getting hit in the head with a baseball bat knocked Samantha unconscious.

So always be conscious of when to use which one of these words!