Guidelines for Writing Subplots

I'm hammering out the broad shape of two big subplots in my new book. Sadly, I don't believe that any book will help me with this. Subplots are unique to each story. But some elements are standard for subplots that span the length of most the book.

• Introduction. Characters may be set up in the Introduction or they may first appear in the Early Middle. Since major subplots typically do not start in the Introduction (common exception: major romance subplot), the characters and/or situation are often in stasis at this point, maybe feeling the pressures of the situation (or maybe not) but not yet pushed into doing anything about it.
• Arc. Subplots are structured very like the main plot with a set-up, inciting incident, crisis that makes the character(s) turn from reactive to proactive, a point that propels them into the final showdown, the show-down, and resolution (optional). These points may or may not occur at the same time as in the main plot.
• Timing. Subplots alternate with the main story. Long-term subplot are usually introduced in order of importance (the most important – like a romance – first). And finish up the least important subplots first. Subplots typically are resolved before the final battle of the main plot. A possible exception can be when the outcome of the subplot depends on the final battle's result.

Strategies to Reach 50k: Linear/ Nonlinear Approaches

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      Basically, you can write a story in two ways: you can write front to back (linear) or you can skip around (nonlinear). Both approaches have their advantages and disadvantages.

       The linear approach is probably what first comes to mind for a writing strategy since you read a book in a linear fashion. It may be necessary to write your scenes in order if you are going without an outline. This approach can be a wonderful way to let your story initially unfold.

      Unfortunately, I think linear writers are more prone to get stuck when they do not know what happens next. Another drawback of linear writing is that when the story takes a life of it own, the new characters or events or back story do not have a foundation. It is important to remember that linear drafts are not set in granite.

      Nonlinear writers, when faced with the dilemma of not knowing what comes next, are free to write a different scene, earlier or later in the sequence of events. Nonlinear writers also have an easier time rearranging scenes since they are less susceptible to the belief that their scenes are set in stone.

      On the other hand, scenes written out of sequence are more likely to be out of harmony with one another since the writer's perception may have changed drastically between Scene 1 and Scene 2. And massive tweaks are still needed. Some writers might find it even more difficult to go back and lay the foundation for future developments because maybe not all the foundation scenes are written yet.

      You just need to find what works for you.

Panster Help: When Your Story Stalls

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If you are doing NaNoWriMo, then about now things start to slide. The story stalls as you something doesn't pan out, you hit a dead end, or a character doesn't work out. These problems may be especially prevalent among pansters – people who write “by the seat of their pants” instead of by an outline. Here are a few tricks to get your story moving again...

 

Introduce a good guy. This could be a new ally to be won over, a romantic interest, or a relative who comes to live with your main character (to name a few). All of these people – while “good guys” – can complicate the life of your main character. Maybe the person is reluctant, secretive, and/or comes with his or her own agenda.

 

Add a bad guy. This could be a false ally, a rival (romantic or otherwise), or a new all-out antagonist (just to name a few). All these people have goals that directly oppose those of the main character. Maybe they want the character to fail, or they are in competition for the goal, or they mean well but act at cross-purposes to the main character.

 

Introduce a subplot. A subplot is a mini-story or event arc that somehow ties into the main story and/or the theme. Subplots begin in the main body of the book and conclude any time from that point to just before (or very rarely just after) the final battle. Subplot ideas can include a romantic subplot between secondary (or primary) characters, the mending of a damaged relationship, or a personal growth arc.

 

Add a phase in the struggle. This is sometimes known as a “story arc”. In trying to reach the story goal, your main character may try different angles, travel different places, meet different people. Whatever way your story progresses, add another step, another obstacle, another dead end or lesson learned.