How to Write Better Subplots

A subplot is “a secondary plot string that runs parallel to the main plot,” as ScreenCraft puts it. I invited fellow editor, book coach, and YouTuber Leslie “XPLovecat” Horn to deliver our best tips for threading together subplots. We cover the purpose of subplots, different types in popular novels, and solutions to common problems you might encounter while writing them. Text Version: https://quotidianwriter.medium.com/how-to-write-better-subplots-55e7d1ad322b Blank Subplot Chart: (To edit a copy for yourself, go to File in the top left → Download → Word) https://docs.google.com/document/d/1kP4ajiVypL2Q_apimPIYgYpdT6unEbgba9ORl-ymkis/edit?usp=sharing Leslie’s Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@XPLovecatFiction Watch Us Tier-Rank Bad Writing Advice! https://youtu.be/0kopn2jjp1U Love my channel? Treat me to a cup of coffee at https://ko-fi.com/quotidianwriter. My Published Stories and Poems: https://www.quotidianwriter.com/my-writing Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/quotidianwriter.bsky.social Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quotidianwriter/ SOURCES: “What Is a Subplot?” by ScreenCraft: https://screencraft.org/blog/what-is-a-subplot/ “How Many Words in a Novel” by Reedsy: https://reedsy.com/studio/resources/how-many-words-in-a-novel Another Article on Subplots Diane Really Likes: https://darlingaxe.com/blogs/news/subplots?srsltid=AfmBOoow3GZtSR83uP6GG9hTesRgowStH8Tv8b632RWQXPSOWa6rFgQh CREDITS Opening Animation by Vitor A. Dupont Title and End Music: “Clockwork” by Vindsvept – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Zl4EGLoiI8&t=83s Background Music by Vindsvept: + “Wonder Awaits” + “Starlit Echoes” + “The Bridge to the Unseen” + “Where Secrets Slumber” Weaving Story Threads (0:00) The Purpose of Subplots (1:40) Types of Subplots (2:40) DANGER #1: Too Many Subplots (6:36) DANGER #2: Overshadowing the Main Plot (7:55) DANGER #3: Shoehorned Romance (8:43) DANGER #4: Pointless Subplot (9:37) DANGER #5: Uneven Pacing (11:01) DANGER #6: Unresolved Subplots (12:16)