I love subplots.
I love reading them and writing them and watching them on television.
I think they should be approached with a degree of caution; you don’t want to distract from the primary plot for too long, you don’t want to inflate your book with fluff, you don’t want to add too many extra pages to your book.
That being said—they’re just fun.
Things I like about subplots:
When it seems there’s no resolution in sight to the primary plot, there’s usually a steady and easily-seen process toward resolution for the subplot (every time it’s introduced, something has changed.)
It’s a good way to introduce a different element to a particular genre (introducing romance to a thriller/mystery, introducing a puzzling mystery to a non-mystery, etc.)
Sometimes I like to connect my subplot with my main story at the conclusion of the book (I’ve done this with my current WIP.) Maybe something the reader thought was completely an auxiliary strand ties in with the plot in a surprising way–my subplot in the current WIP, that seems totally unrelated, plays a part in saving the protagonist’s life. In some cases, the subplot can affect the book’s outcome.
It adds another layer of intrigue to a book—something else the reader wants to see resolved.
I’m careful not to add too many subplots—I don’t want to create confusion over the real thrust of my story. But frequently, I enjoy writing my subplots most of all.
You forgot one thing:
Sub plots can be very lucrative. Just ask Tom Clancy!
You highlight a great point, Elizabeth. Tying the subplot to the central storyline at the end is wonderful. I love it when that happens, either for me, or when I’m reading. This is especially true when I’m not expecting it. Of course, it’s pretty easy to fool me. But, when it happens I feel particularly happy with the book and the time I invested in it.
Sounds like I’m gonna like your WIP.
Best regards, Galen
Imagineering Fiction Blog
Along with sub plots, authors can incorporate sub text too. This way, you can write concepts that are not necessarily implicit, but implied, still gets across a message, and engages the reader by making them slow down a bit and really think about what else is going on in the background but is vital to the story.
– Steve Tremp
http://www.stephentremp.blogspot.com/
I’m also a fan of sub-plots, and love it when thrillers or suspense novels have maybe a romantic sub-plot, and a quirky sidekick sub-plot, etc. etc.
Thanks for insight on an interesting topic!
Regards,
Kathy Ryan
http://www.womenofmystery.net
I love reading books where the subplot is so subtle that I don’t realize I’ve been drawn into it until I reach the end.
JaneKennedySutton
Subplots can save your life when your main plot line runs out of gas halfway through the draft. Working on subplotting can refuel the entire book and carry you through to the end.