I think we all agree conflict makes a book interesting. But is there such a thing as too much conflict? Most straight contemporaries are driven by internal conflict. Boy meets girl. They have major issues (past pain, goals, beliefs, etc.) that keep them apart. They work through these problems and reach their HEA. In suspense, much of the conflict is external. Sure they have a few internal issues, but the serial killer stalking the heroine is generally the biggest deterrent to their HEA. These books are likely to be more plot driven. The contemporaries are usually character driven. Then there are historicals. (Yes, I'm leaving out a bunch of other sub-genres because these are the only ones I write! LOL)
My historical are a mishmash of internal and external conflict. They're character and plot driven. In a nutshell, I threw everything I could at my poor hero and heroine and told them to deal with it! In An Uncertain Destiny, Megan was brought up in the old Celtic religion to worship the Mother Goddess. Nicholas was raised in Puritan New England and believes in an angry God with fire and brimstone and eternal damnation for those who don't conform. He is promised to another woman and is driven by duty. She is a free-spirit with no patience for intolerance. That's probably enough internal conflict to carry a book, right? Except I didn't stop there. Oh, no. I tossed in a contingent of angry town folk who throw Megan in jail for being a witch and condemn her to hang. During the big escape, Nicholas is seriously wounded. Megan flees to an unknown destination to save him from the drama and danger surrounding her.
Yep, that's a LOT of external conflict to go with the internal dilemma. Too much, or do readers enjoy seeing the h&h tortured unmercifully at the hands of a sadistic author? Tell us what you think. And if you're wondering if Megan and Nicholas ever manage to find their HEA, well, you'll have to read the book! Just click HERE.
13 comments:
The key in a good book - such as An Uncertain Destiny - is to have your characters resolve their conflicts in a satisfactory way. I love Nicholas and Megan's story. Always will. May they grant you many sales.
I have to read An Uncertain Destiny. It sounds like my kind of book.
Thanks Margo and Barb. That book has a special place in my heart!
I think added conflict is fine, as long as they make sense, add to the plot, and aren't just thrown in for effect. An Uncertain Destiny sounds like a must-read. Congrats and best wishes!
I agree with the other comments. A lot of conflict is great, as long as it works in the course of the story. And as long as characters resolve it in a believable way. I STILL haven't read Uncertain Destiny, but I need to. It sounds like their conflict is just right for the story. I'm another author who loves to torture characters.
I fully agree about the conflict having to make sense in the context, ladies. Otherwise it can border on making your characters TSTL (Too Stupid To Live). If you all get around to reading AUD, you'll have to let me know if I succeeded.
Like Alicia, I haven't read Uncertain Destiny. It's on my Kindle, though. Too many books, too little time. Now I can't wait to see how your characters resolve such fundamental differences. Great conflict.
Thanks, Diane. Time, unfortunately, is much harder to come by than books!
Thanks for the post, Jannine. I should have written comedy because I had enough conflict in my life as an English teacher and high school principal. But, no...I go ahead and write suspense/romance, where conflict shows itself around every corner! I have a love/hate relationship with conflict, but must admit, I like to read the stuff, so that's why i write it! Heck, I'm even in conflict with my fruit trees...it never ends!
Loved "An Uncertain Destiny" - I thought the conflict was just right. I do like to torture my h/h, to a point. I get frustrated if the relationship doesn't progress. Great post, Jannine!
Rolynn, I'm picturing you with boxing gloves, taking shots at an apple tree. LOL Yep, we can't escape the suspense.
Glad I wasn't too heavy-handed with the conflict in AUD, Leah. Thanks!
I love a lot going on in my books! Or just a central conflict. I'm easy! ;) I love this era and can't wait to read this!
Hope you enjoy it, MJ!
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