1. 1. Words Worth Reading ltd Manuscript Proofreaders Why are sub-plots important? Sub-plots are smaller plots that add to, and interconnect with, the main plot in order to keep the reader engaged. For some reason, these gems are often overlooked during the writing process but not employing them could make your main plot a daunting and time-consuming task. When done properly, sub-plots add more layers to your central plot, which keeps your reader turning those pages. The following slides give you some pointers on using sub-plots to revamp your novel of any genre. http://www.wordsworthreading.co.uk/manuscript-proofreading.php
2. 2. Words Worth Reading ltd Manuscript Proofreaders Mini plots Sub-plotting shouldnt be a mystery to writers since it entails the same process as plotting theyre just much smaller jobs to handle. You can think of sub-plots as mini plots that need to always relate to your main plot so that your reader is clear on the story as a whole. For instance, in a romance novel where the main plot is based on one main character who falls in love with her ideal mate, the sub-plot could then be about the main characters parents being against the other person and they go to drastic lengths to stop a relationship from developing. http://www.wordsworthreading.co.uk/manuscript-proofreading.php
3. 3. Words Worth Reading ltd Manuscript Proofreaders Keeping sub-plots subordinate Although sub-plots need a lot of attention, they should remain as subordinate plots and never overshadow the main plot because this will only end up complicating the story. Instead, you need to make each sub-plot relate to the main plot. Taking the same romance novel for example, the sub-plots could focus on how the main characters parents plan to prevent the relationship from blossoming. And coming back to the main plot, the main character and her soulmate overcome all the odds and get their happy ending. http://www.wordsworthreading.co.uk/manuscript-proofreading.php
4. 4. Words Worth Reading ltd Manuscript Proofreaders Explore other viewpoints Your sub-plots can either be told from the main characters viewpoint or from a lesser characters viewpoint. Either way, sub-plots help you delve into the lives of other characters, which will arouse interest in the reader. For example, in a crime novel where the main plot is about a private investigator who has to solve a murder case, the sub-plots could be about his colleague and the roles she plays in helping him find out more answers about the murder. http://www.wordsworthreading.co.uk/manuscript-proofreading.php
5. 5. Words Worth Reading ltd Manuscript Proofreaders Create dynamism Switching over to the lives of lesser characters intensifies your novel. The reader will not only love reading about the main characters, but that they also get to know something about another characters world. Sub-plots can also provide relief from having to continuously read about your main characters plight, say in the previous chapter. http://www.wordsworthreading.co.uk/manuscript-proofreading.php
6. 6. Words Worth Reading ltd Manuscript Proofreaders Conclusion A novel with sub-plots will enable you to explore the story from different angles, write more in-depth about other characters and further explore your main plot. They are the missing element to creating an engaging, gripping novel. Without sub-plots, the reader could feel burdened and not see a reason to read on. So rather than focus on one main plot, try adding sub-plots to it and then merge them together to create a story that keeps the reader hooked the whole way through. http://www.wordsworthreading.co.uk/manuscript-proofreading.php
7. 7. Words Worth Reading ltd Manuscript Proofreaders For all of your manuscript proofreading needs, call Words Worth Reading on 01206 266766 - 08:00 - 18:00, 7 days a week http://www.wordsworthreading.co.uk/manuscript-proofreading.php