I put my write hand in, my write hand out – in, out, in…?

I’ve just read this on The Intern (which looks to be a good blog, both useful and entertaining):

Lack ‘o’ identifiable conflict (especially in the first few chapters) is a major problem with first drafts.

That’s a relief. The Slog’s lack of conflict wasn’t at the beginning, which started with a crunch (not a bang – T is too wimpish to do bangy things if he can get out of them), but once i began to worry about tying threads together and weaving in metaphysical fibres, things got a little un-tense. And they’re still droopy. But if that fault is common in first drafts, then it’s ‘allowed’ – that makes it one of those faults i was prepared for. I didn’t know i knew about this one in advance, but obviously i did.

Hm. Seems i’m still thinking like the writer of this Slog. Yesterday the possibility of salvaging it for short stories was leaning me towards getting of the ride, and now the possibility of repairing the unravelled middle is leaning me towards staying on till the ride’s finished. Aagh, againly.