SWRT 095 | Subplots
February 28, 2019

This episode is from the library. Previously published as video-only episode 5.

What exactly is a subplot? When do you need them? Who should they revolve around? And can they really alleviate the soggy middle syndrome? And please don’t forget your characters have lives too! Don’t make them live entirely in the main plot line.

 

 

VIDEO

 

 

AUDIO

 

 

SHOW NOTES

What exactly is a subplot? When do you need them? Who should they revolve around? And can they really alleviate the soggy middle syndrome? And please don’t forget your characters have lives too! Don’t make them live entirely in the main plot line.

What we talked about:

What is a subplot? And when do you need them? (0:30)

How do you show subplot on the page? And what characters should be featured in your subplots? (7:45)

Do you have to plan your subplots? Or can you go back and plant the details later? (13:12)

How can subplots help with the “soggy middle”? (16:10)

 

 

LINKS

Things we mentioned:

Stephen King – 11/22/63
Stand by Me 
Annie Proulx – Brokeback Mountain 
Luis Carlos Montalvan – Until Tuesday: A Wounded Warrior and the Golden Retriever Who Saved Him

Have thoughts, questions, other examples? Join the conversation at the Story Works Writers Facebook group