by Elizabeth S. Craig
As a reader, I’ve always enjoyed a good subplot. Sometimes, it’s what’s kept me reading a book. I’ll want to see what happens in the B-story, even after I’ve lost interest in the A-story.
As a writer, I’ve tried different ways of writing subplots. One of the most important things, I think, is to have some sort of resolution to them. This is especially important if you’re writing a series where the main plot doesn’t wrap up at the end of the book. Something needs to resolve. But it can be tricky to keep track of subplots in the weeds of the A-story.
This tip works extremely well with an outline, but it should work just as well with any pantsers out there. First, write the subplot out, almost like a short story with different scenes. You don’t have to fully flesh these out . . . just give yourself enough so you know where you’re going with it. Then, insert the scenes as transitions in your story, after scenes of your A-story end. This is especially handy when you’re wanting to change the tone after a scene in the main plot.
With an outline, break the subplot story into bits and put them into transition spaces in your story.
I’ve found this approach helps me be more thoughtful about subplots, develop them more, and not lose track of where I am in getting them wrapped up.
How do you manage subplots? What kinds of subplots do you enjoy best?
Making Writing Subplots Easier: Share on X
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