Thread by @Joannechocolat

Sub-plots it is. Follow #TenThingsAboutSubplots to collect them all!

https://twitter.com/livmace/status/1037304699429511169

1. Most novels don't just have a single plotline. They usually have a variety of sub-plots, of greater or lesser complexity and importance to the main story. #TenThingsAboutSubplots

2. Although your novel has only one main plot, it can have any number of sub-plots. All you need is to make sure you handle them properly. #TenThingsAboutSubplots

3. It's easy for a subplot to get out of hand. Make sure they always stay secondary to your main plot. #TenThingsAboutSubplots

4. Although your main plot needs to resolve, you can leave areas of your sub-plot unresolved. #TenThingsAboutSubplots

5. Subplots are most often connected with secondary characters, but they do need to have some connection to your protagonist in some way. #TenThingsAboutSubplots

6. Sub-plots can exist as past timelines, flashbacks, etc. Just make sure you keep touching base with your main plot and characters, though. #TenThingsAboutSubplots

7. You can develop a sub-plot in isolation (entries in a diary, a past timeline, etc), but at some point in the narrative it will have to be pulled together and given relevance to the main plot. The later this happens, the better your reveal needs to be. #TenThingsAboutSubplots

8. Subplots are a great place to introduce comic relief into a narrative. #TenThingsAboutSubplots

9. If you're in doubt about whether something is a sub-plot or not, try removing the strand. In most cases, your main narrative should be capable of standing alone. #TenThingsAboutSubplots

10. On the other hand, if your sub-plot doesn't contribute anything to the main narrative in terms of character, theme, tone or plot, you probably don't need it at all. #TenThingsAboutSubplots