I’m reading The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society right now and am enjoying it immensely—more than I expected to, given the strange title.
Here’s what I’ve noticed 50 pages in: I see no overarching “conflict” or plot arc that is keeping me hooked. There is not tension, let alone conflict, on every page. There are hints of vocational struggle and possible romance, but they’re hardly burning questions that compel me to turn pages.
And yet—I am turning pages. And I am not the only one. This book was on the New York Times bestseller list. Apparently lots of people found it compelling enough to buy—and recommend.
“Conflict on every page” is the mantra of most every writing book. Yet here is a bestseller that flaunts this cardinal rule.
How can this be?
I think it’s because the book is full of likeable characters, most of whom would probably drive you nuts if you lived with them but who are delightful to read about.
Whatever “conflict” (if you can even call it that) there is in this book comes in the form of unanswered questions: Who is Susan? Who is Markham? What’s the relationship between Sidney and Juliet?
These are not questions whose answers will be profound. But from page one, I cared enough to wonder what the answers would be—and to keep reading to find out.
Such unanswered questions are almost inevitable when you (the writer) have richly imagined characters. You can’t possibly tell the reader everything right away—and neither of you would like it if you did. Letting readers discover who the characters are and how they’re related (or not) will create enough “conflict” or “tension” or just plain interest to keep them hooked.
I’m beginning to think “conflict on every page” is a red herring. Richly imagined characters that readers care about (or love to hate) will be inherently interesting and will keep readers turning those pages all the way to the end.
Here’s my question for you: Who are your favorite characters? What made you care about them?
I am a reader (I feel about books the way some people feel about chocolate: yum), a writer (I've written a book, even: The Circle of Seasons: Meeting God in the Church Year), and a mother (of four). So that's what I blog about: reading, writing, and raising my kids.