I have a subplot in my current WIP that wants to take over the world.
In the same WIP, I have a small subplot that stays meekly in its place.
Subplots are a lot of fun for me—I enjoy both reading them and writing them. It’s nice to have a short break from the main plot every once and a while and take a breather.
But problems pop up when subplots get ambitious and want to take over my novel.
They do have their uses, though. While the main plot of my books might be many chapters away from seeing resolution, my subplots usually show a steady progression toward a conclusion.
It’s a fun way to focus on a side character. Or to play around with another genre (introduce a romantic element in a mystery, for example).
A good subplot can also help keep the reader motivated to continue reading.
But…I have to keep them in their place. There’s definitely a limit to the amount of time I can devote to a subplot.
The one in my current WIP that wants to stage a coup with the main plot? I’ve made a deal with it. If I tie it into the main plot so that it’s an integral part of the book’s conclusion, then I’ll give it more screen time.
Do you have subplots that want to take over your books?
Elizabeth – Ah, subplots! I admit I like them, too. It’s especially nice when they add to the main plot and lead the reader towards the main point of the novel. My subplots don’t get too greedy, actually. I think it’s because I came to fiction writing after having written in “academese” where one sticks to the point and doesn’t stray off into subplot-land. In fact, I’m having to learn to get better at creating subplots and weaving them into my writing…
I love reading them! It’s definitely a balancing act to write them correctly. We’ll see how I do! I’d say you did well in “Pretty Is.” I like Margot’s point about the nice change from academic writing.
Michele
SouthernCityMysteries
I forgot to mention–I made your corn pudding last night and my family loved it! My husband, 4yo son and 22mo daughter ALL ate it! Now THAT is a raving success. Thanks! Any other recipes up your sleeve that can please this diverse crowd?
Michele
SouthernCityMysteries
I like reading/writing subplots that echo the theme of the main plot, but in a more subtle way. I think they provide a depth that helps the story “stay with you” after you’ve read it.
You know, I don’t believe I’ve ever written a subplot? All the characters in my novels tend to have some significance to the main plot, and the main plot encompasses the novel.
The book usually follows one character’s viewpoint rather than hopping around. So any subplots would naturally belong to the main character…
Hope you’re doing well, Elizabeth!
:) Corra
from the desk of a writer
Right now my subplots are steadfastly refusing to catch fire. But this may be as much because I have a main subplot which is really healthy.
Subplots are so often character things – so yes I love them, and I work hard to use them toward the main plot because they add so much color.
I’m thinking that I lost some of the art of subplots when I wrote screenplays for a while. （They have some subplots, but not nearly like books do.)
In my last novel, the one I just finished, the subplot tried to take over and who knows maybe it won out, but, I loved the subplot it added more difficulties to the MC and allowed the story to take on a new life. Sometimes though, I force my subplots to stay back.
ann
Love sub-plots. And yes, I have to be careful in my books that they don’t take front and center stage. Also I have to watch for this when editing other authors. Good subject and thoughts on the matter, Elisabeth.
Marvin D Wilson
Margot–Good point! Because subplots are all about veering off the subject. And if you’ve been trained to stay the course, that’s really tough.
Corra–I hadn’t thought of that before, but you’re right–having a running subplot when you’ve got one POV at a time (and written in 1st person each time) would make it challenging.
The antibiotic is helping, thanks! Apparently I still sound bad, though, because people keep asking me how I feel as soon as I open my mouth!
Michele–It’s so true that subplots are really kind of off-subject…just a little tangent. I think that’s what makes them interesting because we can all get tired of the main plot–writing it and reading it.
Isn’t that corn pudding good stuff? And so easy! It makes a pretty good amount, too. We’re having a special week next week where we’ll be cooking with a certain ingredient…stay tuned! :)
Ann–I know what you mean. But this makes me wonder if maybe the subplot needs to have its own book? I may have to look more closely at a couple of mine.
Marvin–I think it’s easy to get carried away with subplots. They’re *that* much fun.
Alan–I like those, too. :) Now I just have to figure out what my theme is…maybe ‘greed gets you murdered?’
I am such a winding road, lots of detours writer that I’m sure I don’t take proper control of my subplots – in fact right now – I’m allowing myself to write what I call ‘a radical draft’ where I intentionally let the sub-plots take over just in case they are the real thing….
I think subplots usually make the whole book richer. Maybe if a subplot is getting too big for its britches (to quote my mother), it needs its own book.
Helen
Straight From Hel
My sub plot is the protagonsit’s best friend and sidekick, who has been with him since they were young kids, is slowly taking a back seat to Chase’s new girlfriend in the leadership department. Of course, his ego takes a big hit and there are internal and external struggles he has to confront and overcome.
He basically gets pushed out of the picture in the second book and gets himself and his girlfriend into all kinds of perilous danger.
But by the third book he is able to redeem himself with bringing that one piece of information that saves the day.
Stephen Tremp
I tend to have a lot of subplots. Most stay in the background. A few rush to the forefront when there’s a lull in the main plot. I’m still working on it…
I really didn’t do a lot with subplots in my book. I can see how they might take over the storyline though.
My subplot is now my main plot. I wasn’t strong enough to say ‘no’ :)
I thought I was going to write another romantic suspense, but a cop showed up and demanded the book belong to him as well.
I ended up eliminating almost all the sexual tension between the original h/h, who kept their POV charcter status. However, my cop got jealous and demanded a sub plot that let him have some “fun” time even as he worked on solving the case.
I think my latest novel is all subplots. Instead of one coherent storyline that would make it easy to synopsize, I have a thread that ties the whole story together, but all the meaty, plot-advancing bits hook onto that thread in different ways, so no one ‘plot’ is the plot.
Jan–You are being VERY nice to your subplots! I hope they know how lucky they are.
The Daring Novelist–I don’t like wasting time in a book, so I’m like you–tie it in to the main plot in a meaningful way.
I think I’d love to take a screenwriting class just for fun…to see the similarities and differences in the two things. I’d never be able to do it myself, but I think it would be fascinating. I took a film class in college(again, different medium) and really loved it. Learned a lot about parallel editing in that class….which I can’t really use in cozies, but maybe in a thriller.
Helen–Ha! I remember hearing that term growing up, too! :) We have to remember to knock those subplots down a notch.
Stephen–I think that sounds like a really cool subplot…and a realistic one. I know there are a lot of guys who lose their best friends when they get married! That would be a great take on it, and you’ve stretched it out over the series, too.
Diane–They’re great for lulls, aren’t they? And the nasty middles of books where the main plot gets all soft.
Alex–It’s like they all are competing for who can get the most lines!
Author Guy–It sounds cool, but complicated to write! I’d have to end up with a storyboard or something to keep it straight.
Lorel–Those characters are rough on us!
Terry–And so your subplot probably ended up giving your cop some more opportunity for character development–showing more than one side to him! It’s a great idea.