@kww.bsky.social#Writestuff A5 Yeah, I led the witness there. But for everyone struggling, this is the key. You have supporting characters to interact with your main character and those interactions have to have a foundation. If you can't get that foundation in your main plot, build it with a subplot.
@jessmahler.bsky.social#WriteStuff A4
Maeve Binchy. Damn can that woman weave.
@jessmahler.bsky.social#WriteStuff A3
Because I write growth-centered stories, and growth is complicated. It doesn't go in one direction for everyone. It's twisty and gnarled and running off in a dozen directions at once.
@writestuff.bsky.socialI may be accused of leading the witness here, but
#WriteStuff Q5 Do subplots help you do good characterisation of the supporting cast?
@trishcwilson.bsky.socialI'm loathe to mention her name since she's such a transphobe, but J. K. Rowling's character Severus Snape's subplot in the Harry Potter books in my opinion was fantastic. He was my favorite character. A fascinating, flawed, and troubled man.
@jessmahler.bsky.social#WriteStuff A2
Not a single book, but that was what kept me from ever finishing the Wheel of Time series. Too many characters moving in too many different directions and I kept losing track of who was where.
@pamportland.orgHey Jess! #WriteStuff
@jessmahler.bsky.social#WriteStuff A1
Definitely weave as I go. I like to have a general idea of all the plots and how they'll develop before I start drafting, but it all develops at the same time and pace.
@jessmahler.bsky.social#WriteStuff intro
Hi, I'm Jess Mahler. I'm also late! But I'm here.
Why? Eh... I've seen these discussions passing by my feed in the past and they seemed like fun. So here I am.
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@danzierlea.bsky.social#WriteStuff Q4 ( #CourtroomGhost) Well, I can't speak to everyone's taste in role models, but mine is Holly Lisle. www.hollyswritingclasses.com if you're interested.
@coripalladium.bsky.social#WriteStuff
Cannery Row, I think. You don't get to anything resembling a main plot until you're about halfway through the book, but it all works because the entire book is very setting driven rather than character driven. Exploring lots of perspectives on Monterey CA reinforces rather than distracts
@pamportland.orgA4: Pam Portland. #WriteStuff
@pamportland.orgIt's sometimes where they hide Chekov's guns. #WriteStuff
@writestuff.bsky.social#WriteStuff Q4 Name an author whose subplots should be considered a role model.
@danzierlea.bsky.social#WriteStuff Q3 ( #CourtroomGhost) AIRC, subplots are plots where the main character does something not related to the main problem, or where someone else does something that is or will be related to the main problem.
This makes the story more complex, often more real-feeling, and more fun.
@trishcwilson.bsky.social#WriteStuff A3
Subplots could enhance the story by seeing the same issues from different character's points of view. For instance, Ethan sees Gabrielle space out at Zomnibus, the zombie rave in Salem, MA. From her POV, she's seeing a horrifying vision which will happen shortly and she's terrified.