The single largest issue I have when writing is balancing characters' personal conflicts and emotional moments external to the main plot with progression of the plot itself.
For example, I could have the heroes learn where their ally is being held prisoner and force them to attempt some kind of rescue- or I could hold off on informing the heroes. If I hold off, perhaps the backstory of a character or a personal conflict (such as a death in the family) might demand attention. One event is relevant to the main plot, and the other is only relevant to the characters' relationships.
If the plot moves to fast, it's unrealistic and the book is over in a short amount of time without much character development. If the plot has too much travel and too many side conflicts, people might lose interest.
Does anyone else have trouble balancing the two types of progression?
For example, I could have the heroes learn where their ally is being held prisoner and force them to attempt some kind of rescue- or I could hold off on informing the heroes. If I hold off, perhaps the backstory of a character or a personal conflict (such as a death in the family) might demand attention. One event is relevant to the main plot, and the other is only relevant to the characters' relationships.
If the plot moves to fast, it's unrealistic and the book is over in a short amount of time without much character development. If the plot has too much travel and too many side conflicts, people might lose interest.
Does anyone else have trouble balancing the two types of progression?