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Sometimes writing a subplot reminds me of a horse I used to ride. If I didn’t pay attention, that horse would grab the bit between his teeth and take off with me at a flat out gallop. He nearly threw me more than once—which was, of course, what he was going for. For better or for worse, I’ve had more than one subplot take me on a similar ride.
Like a ride on that horse, a subplot can begin calmly--just long enough to throw a rider or writer off guard. For me, though, when the narrative journey experienced by a secondary character or characters becomes complicated, when things get sticky, my subplot can grab the bit and take off. If I let it go, it might become it’s own story and turn into a thrilling ride. Or it might run me into a tree (like that horse tried to do more than once). Either way, this sort of messes with my original work in progress. This is the heart of the problem. Is reigning in the subplot the way to go? Hmmmm.
Writers: Have you ever had a subplot take off with you?
Readers: Have you ever become more interested in the subplot of a story rather than the main story line?
I think when a secondary character's problems are more exciting than the main characters - then maybe the character deserves his/her own story! And it's easy to have happen b/c subplots and secondary characters can be a lot of fun!
ReplyDeleteSo true, Laura. And that does sort of muck up the work in progress, doesn't it? Thanks for following and commenting! Welcome! : )
ReplyDeleteMy subplots don't so much run away with me as multiply (so I guess if I were writing this post, I'd have a picture of rabbits instead of horses.) :)
ReplyDeleteThat's hilarious, MG! I've never had my subplots multiply, but I do think rabbits are adorable, so I might not mind this, really.
ReplyDeleteI've definitely had some characters who fought for attention. I had to sit down with them and assure them I would focus on them in the NEXT book. :D Why yes I am a little crazy, why do you ask?
ReplyDeleteI'm kind of like Lisa, interesting characters who want attention. And since I usually like them all I have to tell them to behave or I'll kill them off. That usually puts them in their place. HA!
ReplyDeleteLisa and Bish, I LOVE your comments! Too, too funny! Apparently, I need to get tough with my subplot characters and put them in their places, while assuring them, of course, that I adore them all.
ReplyDeleteAnd welcome, Lisa! I'm so glad you stopped by. ; )
Cynthia - I have a young character in one of my stories that I really want to watch grow up. In fact, he's "grown" on me so much he'll probably be the main character in a sequel!
ReplyDeleteHi, Cynthia,
ReplyDeleteYes, I can see the similarity between riding and writing.
When I find a subplot threatening to take off with my story, I find a way to cut back and bring it in line. Next thing I do is to start planning the next book for the character involved in that subplot.
My subplots tend to wander off and I forget to reign them in. Not a gallop, but a slow disappearance. It takes effort to keep it in my sights sometimes.
ReplyDeleteGreat analogy!
I like sub plots, as long as they do not over take the main story in its entirety. Sub plots can work if they work for short sections of the book. If it happens multiple times, that's even better.
ReplyDeleteOh boy, me and horses to not get along. They're always taking off with me. Excellent reminder on subplots. :)
ReplyDeleteI have an idea for a book, but so far the MC's friends are more interesting than the MC, who doesn't have a main problem of her own yet. I either have to shift the MC or find out this MC's problem.
ReplyDeleteHold onto your reins! Give it a little ease. You'll know where you want your story to go, or you might even like where it takes you. I love reading where other writers go with their creative genius! I wouldn't worry to much, by the way you write your blog, I think you have a great handle on things! Good Luck and Happy Riding!
ReplyDeleteThat's what I'm talking about, Linda. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteHi, J.L.--Your method is like mine. I usually try to reign in my subplot and make it behave.
Thanks, Lydia. I guess whether a subplot wanders off or takes off at a gallop, it's all the same--they get away from us.
Welcome, Stephen! And you're so right. Thanks for your comment.
Uh-oh, Michelle, it sounds like you have a couple horseback riding stories. : )
Quite the dilemma, Jenn. Great that you have an idea and a supporting cast that you're happy with. I'll be interested to hear what you decide to do about the MC and the problem.
Great advice, Maeve! And thank you for that lovely compliment. *blushes*
This is something I have to consider with a book I'm giving distance to while working on my current WIP. When a beta reader read one version, she suggested adding it. An agent recently suggested removing it (assuming we're talking about the same subplot). :P
ReplyDeleteI am still deciding whether to include a sub-plot that turned into 30,000 words in my WIP. So I guess the answer would be yes!
ReplyDeleteThat's a tough call, isn't it Stina? Sometimes getting different opinions makes deciding what to do with a subplot or other issue challenging. I think I'd do what you're doing--give some distance while you think it through. Good luck! And thanks for stopping by!
ReplyDeleteWow, 30,000 words! That sounds like a subplot that could become a story on it's own. . . or not. Good luck making that final decision, Al. And thanks for commenting.
I have had one take off before and I confess it really gave depth to the story. But it was definitely a balance trying to keep it from taking over. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm doing major rewrites on a wip because a subplot got carried away.
ReplyDeleteSometimes it can be good, sometimes not.
For the most part, I love subplots in a book, especially when they're nicely woven in.
This has happened in one book of mine--the subplot is almost as compelling as the main plot, and so it vies for the reader's attention. I had to figure out how to tone it down and beef up the main plot.
ReplyDeleteAngela @ The Bookshelf Muse
That sounds like an excellent sign that you have vivid, three-dimensional characters! I guess if they get too out of hand, you can always give them their own story.
ReplyDeleteI left you an award on my blog today. :)
Saying hi for the first time! I've not had a subplot take off per se, but I've had a minor character who was so compelling, I didn't want to stop writing him! Now I'm planning a 'spin-off' with him as the main character! :)
ReplyDeleteThat's a good point, Janet. A runaway subplot would be a well developed subplot. All good as long as that subplot doesn't take over.
ReplyDeleteAhhh, I sympathize, Medeia. Good luck with those rewrites.
That's what I'm talking about, Angela. : ) Toning down a subplot you kind of love and beefing up the main plot can be challenging, right?
Thanks for the blog award, Susan! I'll stop by to check out the latest. : ) And I love your perspective on the runaway plot. I HOPE this means the characters are vivid and three-dimensional. ha!
Welcome, J.C.! Thanks for stopping by. And hurray for compelling characters. Great idea to keep writing about him as the main character. Happy writing!