by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig
I work on story subplots two different ways. Sometimes I write them in as I go, including them in the text. Sometimes I write them out separately on a different document and weave them in after I’ve finished the mystery.
This time I’d written in the subplot as I went. But, after finishing the book and reading back through it, I was unhappy with the subplot. It seemed too much of a contrivance to me. Plus, it meant that I was adding in another recurring character when my series already had quite a few.
But there were parts of the subplot that I liked. I was pleased with the way it developed a character in the story. I decided to rework it instead of scrapping it completely.
Here are my tips for reconstructing a story element. There are other approaches, but this was the way I was able to do it without making my head spin too much:
First off, remove (cut) the offending storyline completely. I searched for the character’s name, but you could also reread the draft and cut as you went.
Next, save the cuttings. Paste them into a separate, saved document.
Then reimagine the storyline. Can the character/subplot serve the story in another capacity?
Additional considerations: can you connect this story element in a meaningful way to the main plot? Can it be used to develop a recurring character? Bonus points, if you can. I found a way for the character to impact two separate subplots.
Open a fresh document and save it. Mine was “Subplot Text.” Write out the reimagined storyline, using any bits and pieces from the cut storyline as possible to save time (for instance, I could use the character’s description and some of her dialogue).
Reread your draft. Weave in the storyline as you go, pacing it throughout the story for better impact.
Is it a pain? It is. I haven’t done this in a while (I usually don’t have any major revisions because I’ve gotten very used to my pattern for writing), and it took some time. But I’m pleased with the finished project and I know that I haven’t created a problem for myself with future books.
If you’re not sure exactly what doesn’t work in your story or need more help staying organized with your revisions, I’m linking to some articles that might help.
The Art of Revising: Macro Revision by R.L. LaFevers
Want to Make Revisions Easier? Create an Editorial Map by Janice Hardy
How to Stay Organized During a Revision by Janice Hardy
Decisions: What and How to Revise by Darcy Pattison
Do you ever rework bad ideas into better ones? How do you go about replacing storylines that don’t work?
Tips for revising story elements that don't exactly work: Share on XPhoto on Visual hunt
Oh, I like these ideas, Elizabeth!! I had a similar problem with my most recent release. I wanted a sub-plot, but the first one I thought of and worked in wasn’t good. It just wasn’t. So, I had to excise it completely, change the personality of one of the characters, and start all over. Not fun, but I do think it made the story better.
Sometimes things just don’t work. Kudos for making it better!
That is a lot of work, but if the subplot isn’t helping, it has to be done. I’ve cut some subplots completely but never reworked them.
I thought about cutting it, but when I thought of a good way to *change* it, I felt as if the work I’d done before wasn’t in vain.
Hi Elizabeth – I just always like reading your posts and commenters’ replies – it’s fascinating understanding the methodology in getting a story out ‘here’ in book format – so interesting – thank you – Hilary
Thanks for coming by, Hilary, and hope you have a great weekend!
Ah, the beauty of search!
It’s a real lifesaver for editing. Honestly, I don’t know how authors got their manuscripts into shape when their pages were typewritten and not searchable.
It’s also another reason to invest in an ebook (even if you have a print edition). Thanks to the search feature, you will find the point you’re looking for so much faster.
“But I’m pleased with the finished project…”
That sense of satisfaction is great, isn’t it? It makes all the effort of revising feel worthwhile in the moment, before you’ve even released the final product.
Oh…I can only imagine! I did type out a couple of ill-fated unfinished manuscripts in the early 90s. I had a fancy typewriter with line editing and you could check each line of text before it typed out. But *revising* a doc on a typewriter would have been a nightmare! I never got that far. :)