First off, I've never known anyone who would pass up the chance to write a mass market blockbuster novel sold at airports. It's much more of an accomplishment than the writer gives it credit for. Much harder than she thinks.
Wait a minute. Slow down.... Me being defensive doesn't serve the writer well.
What she is truly saying is the Dramatic Action plot is easier for her to create than the Character Emotional Development plot.
She's approaching the time in the story when she has to peel back another layer of the protagonist. Get closer, go deeper, find the internal motivational stuff behind the character's actions.
Actions = external.
Motivation = internal.
Some writers prefer one over the other.
I say: be thankful you have a strong front story (dramatic action, plotted) in place filled with conflict and suspense. Use that as the base for the rest of the story.
You want to develop an important narrative voice.
Okay, write the mass market plotted draft first.
Think of what you are doing as a layering.
Get the first layer down = dramatic action easiest for you.
Ask yourself constantly:
- Why is the character doing what he's doing = motivation.
- Have him set goals that he hopes will take him closer to his big , overall story goal.
Finished first draft allows for the next layer to go on.