Learn how to plot. You need some sort of a core story problem that brings them together that forces them to become a team. They must solve the problem together.

The PROBLEM is what forces them to deal with baggage they’d rather ignore (denial).

If you have two characters (POVs), then I recommend a buddy-love structure similar to what’s used in romance, though one character still would take lead. If you want to use first, my advice is only ONE character would be in first person. The other should be in third person if you want more than one POV.

Writing first-person is already hard. Writing first-person for two characters and making the voices distinct takes major mastery. I’ve been writing 20 years and don’t know if I would even attempt it.

I might just recommend ONE character’s POV, and the other character is the ally. The story problem thrusts them together.

Remember, a PROBLEM is what makes people trust each other. WAR is what makes men lifetime friends.

Your characters need to have trial by fire. Navel-gazing and talking about their life and sad-sack lives doesn’t garner trust. It’s just passing the time and a pity party.

Solving problems and overcoming odds heals wounds.

For instance, say you have two teenage girls both traumatized by abuse.

They don’t know each other and happen to meet another young girl roughly their age in a corner store and note she’s covered in bruises. They literally round the corner and run into this poor kid at the same time, knocking her groceries out of her hands.

One look and they know someone is using this teen as a punching bag.

They try to help and talk to her, but the girl leaves the groceries on the floor and rabbits.

Without thinking the pair follow after and see her disappear through a door leading into a ratty apartment. It’s after no one answers their banging at the door, and they give up that they introduce themselves. While walking back to the corner store, they get to talking.

They both know that girl needs help. Something bad is going to happen but there is nothing more they can do.

A few days later they run into each other in front of the store. They smile and exchange greetings, but see a fresh sign on the door. It’s a MISSING poster for that girl.

NOW, they have a reason to come together and share their hurts, wounds, pasts and what they know about navigating pain, predators and the System. They have a goal. FIND THAT GIRL.

They go to the apartment and no one lives there anymore. The police take a report but don’t seem very interested in doing anything. Etc. etc.

The journey to find out what happened is what creates the trust that lets them slowly lets down the armor and learn they have SOMEONE they trust. Finding the girl and bringing the person who hurt her to justice is what brings the healing and meaning to their lives.

Make sense? You now have a CORE PROBLEM that hooks the audience. We KNOW when the book ends. The girl is found. Every setback makes us worry. You have a tangible goal and a solid REASON this pair would be sharing about what they have been through.

Not to hawk a class, but check out the Plot Boss. It’s only $25 and it will help you with structure.

All internal narration and mulling over problems isn’t a story. We don’t like these people in life. The only people who LIKE people who constantly drone over their trauma are shrinks and that’s because they are paid money to listen. I know it’s a bit blunt, but that’s the truth and will save you a lot of fruitless drafts.

Wish you all the best and let me know if I can help.