tahariel | (no subject)

I've reached that point in the creative planning process where I've hit a wall and suddenly start questioning whether or not it's a good idea overall, if it's original, if anyone will want to read it, if I just totally suck... etc, etc. I'm having difficulty with the external conflict, you see - which is almost always my problem.

I know the interpersonal conflict and the relationships between the two main characters, I know the world and have a lot of worldbuilding done already, but deciding on a decent conflict, something they will have a personal stake in enough for the reader to give a damn! That always gets me.

ARGH. I'm really excited about this novel. But I can't start writing until I know roughly where I'm going, and that means I have to decide on this conflict.

Pseudo-marriage of convenience trope wedded to bonding and unwanted relations with a person you don't know? Check! Awesome dragonbird plus hot rider? Check! Semi-steampunk dress-sense? Check! Girl with a sword? Check! External conflict?... not so much.

ionaonie, this is all your fault for not being around when I need to dump on someone so I can talk my way out of corners.