We’re kicking off our guest author secret sauce series today!

By Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig

I’m a real fan of subplots. In fact, subplots are frequently my favorite parts of books and movies. I love to see relationships develop or fail or watch in horror as the protagonist gets thwarted again. Subplots also often show a faster, more linear progression than the main plot (and I’m the tidy sort of person who loves seeing that type of progression.)

So what makes a great subplot?  Here are some different things that subplots might accomplish:

Subplots can create complications or a conflict of interest for the protagonist as they try to reach their goals.

Frequently, subplots are relationships between a protagonist and a minor character (for example, in detective fiction, this could be the detective’s private life and relationships, away from work.) Arguments with a teenage child, the collapse of a troubled marriage, or a budding relationship can add either tension or joy to the story.

Subplots could offer a different side of our protagonist and provide him with more emotional complexity and texture.

Subplots can help provide integration of a theme or hook in your book.

If you’ve got a serious book, subplots can provide moments of levity—or vice versa.  They can help make your story better-rounded.

Subplots can give readers a feeling of satisfaction in terms of plot progression . . . particularly if the main plot seems to be stalling out or if the protagonist’s goal appears out of reach.

Tips for approaching subplot inclusion:

It’s helpful to have a clear arc with your subplots—as with your main plot.  You introduce it, develop it, then tie it up at the end (it’s particularly effective if you tie the subplot into the main plot.)

I like to add subplots in as a separate layer after my first draft is over.  Somehow, this helps me organize it better and weave it more seamlessly into the story.

My subplots will sometimes intersect with my main plots in unusual ways—to save the sleuth in a moment of danger, or provide important clues to help solve the case or gain added perspective on the puzzle.

More help online:            

Here are a couple of my favorite posts on writing subplots.

The first is from a screenwriting site, Cracking Yarns, and the post is “The One Subplot You Really Need.” Interesting reading and very helpful.

The second is from Writer’s Digest (if you haven’t discovered their archives, you’re missing a great resource.) The post is by Elizabeth Sims: “7 Ways to Add Great Subplots to Your Novel.” In it, she covers different ways of including subplots in your story.  A must-read.

Are you a fan of subplots, as a reader or writer? What are your favorite types of subplots to include?

About the Author

Elizabeth’s latest book,  Rubbed Out, launches July 2. Elizabeth writes the Memphis Barbeque series for Penguin/Berkley (as Riley Adams), the Southern Quilting mysteries for Penguin/NAL, and the Myrtle Clover series for Midnight Ink and independently.
Writer’s Knowledge Base–the Search Engine for Writers
Twitter: @elizabethscraig