YA LGBT Books discussion

(sorry if it's already been asked , but i didn't see it)I am in the process of writing my first book and there is an incident that grows into a major dispute. I was wondering, how much would be considered too much arguing if it's pertinent to the story?

I don't think there is a set limit - conflict is good. The key IMO is to keep your main character(s) sympathetic. If the reader can feel why they are so adamant, then they may be willing to go to the wall with them. If it starts to feel petty, or there is an easy answer if they'd just shut up and talk rationally, or if you are saying the same thing you've already said, then you might lose readers.

The repetition is a biggy. In real life, we often argue the same fight over and over. In fiction, that gets old unless there is an external pressure for it.

For example in Don't Ask Don't Tell times, you might have a gay guy who needs college money, and the fight with his boyfriend over whether enlisting was worth being closeted could happen a couple of times, in different ways, because it was forced on them by the outside. But they still need to use their words differently, and ideally resolve it with different results, if that makes sense.

thanks, that really helps.

Good luck. And remember, you can always edit. Sometimes it pays to push ahead, and come back later when you have more of the story beyond that point. Also, actions are good, along with words. How do they feel inside, what do they do with their bodies? If it's a long argument, we want to see as well as hear it. Have fun! (Conflict can be great fun to write.)

I agree. I read a story on a writing website were the main couple argued a lot. I think it was to show how hot headed they were, but it was so tiring to read them yelling at each other chapter after chapter. So a blow out or two is fine.

it's going to be one blowout and the direction of the story is going to change. just want it to do what it's meant for. it's kind of the turning point