The process, part 5 - Subplots

Although the title of this blogpost is Subplots, I believe this to be a misnomer. This very much a personal opinion and many writers, particularly in different genres, have different views.

As I mentioned in part 4, ‘subplots’ are an integral part of the plotting process. But I believe ‘subplots’ are not a separate, less important ‘stories’, but threads running parallel to the main story, created by the introduction of new characters or new character traits, woven like weft into the fabric of the main plot.

For example, in The Connickle Conundrum, I tell the story of how Tabby became the engineer/pilot on Dragonfly, Connie and Rory’s air-yacht which plays a pivotal role in the first instalment. Character-driven subplots, which include back stories and flashbacks, add depth and interest to characters and explain the reasons behind a character’ response to events in the main story.

Also, as the ABC Chronicles trilogy has an overarching story, I use subplots to introduce and expand concepts which strengthen that narrative, or help to tell each book’s self-contained story.

The perfect subplot/character introduction/concept does both.

This week’s featured author and musicians are -

Douglas Adams - Science fiction, satire and comedy author and humourist. Best known for The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy

Epica - Dutch symphonic metal band

Next time… Writing!