The part that I can’t stop thinking about? She said our story hinges on external conflict. Meaning the conflict for the main characters is not between them, but from forces outside the couple. I understand what she means, but it really makes me laugh. Both of us have mentioned this same thought about the story, but we mean it as a compliment. We are congratulating ourselves on writing a book that we would like to read. (Without trying not to pat ourselves on the back too much!)
Not to upset anyone else or insult another author, but I am currently trying to read the 50 Shades trilogy. I am on book two and trying to motivate myself to continue. Why? Because ALL of the conflict is internal. Thus far, the conflict in the story is completely between the main characters. And it drives me crazy! I just want to shake them both and yell, “Sit down and communicate with each other!” I know, I know. It’s an extremely interesting concept, and I honestly want to find out what happened to Christian to make him how he is. I also hope they overcome the obstacles and end up with their Happily Ever After. But I want a little external conflict. I want another point of view or a lurking villain or an challenge forcing them to work together. I am emotionally exhausted from the constant internal struggle.
I am a little disappointed that this agent didn’t get to read more of our book. We actually do have a main theme of internal conflict. Our heroine is torn between duty and love. But we definitely lean towards external conflict. We both hate books where the main characters don’t communicate and just assume they know what the other person is thinking. Yes, we all assume we know what someone else is thinking in everyday life. But how many times have you found out that you were wrong? If you had just asked, you could have avoided all this angst. Maybe I’m more outspoken than most when I’m upset about something. (Who me? Let everyone know when I’m confused or disappointed? Never!) Maybe I’m not adept at social cues and am constantly embarrassing myself without realizing it. (Which would be some feat, considering how much I embarrass myself AND realize it.) But I would rather just ask the question and know, rather than torture myself with the “what if” scenarios. But maybe that’s just me.
Any thoughts out there? Which do people favor? Internal or external? I think we have a mix of both in our book, but I am admittedly biased. Wow, did I ramble or what?!