Wannabe Writers is a writing group for the un-published and anyone is welcome to join. It's a place where future authors can ask questions, share stories, and get feedback. Click (here) to find more about how it works.
Where I am in the writing process: I am currently un-published with the dream of one day becoming published. I started writing in 2008. I've written and re-written one full novel. I'm currently working through re-write number 3 of said novel.
My current problem(s): I had a pretty good week. I got through about 20 pages in my re-write/edit. But I'm noticing that as I've been going along I have been going crazy with the delete button. I mean I have all these irrelevant conversations and scenes and added detail. What was I thinking? Which brings me to this week's question...
This week's question: Overcomplicating vs. Undercomplicating. I'm afraid sub-plots in my novel are going to take the main focus. How much is too much?
6 comments:
I'm posting early this week since tomorrow I leave on vaction! Yay. I won't be back until the following Sunday. So you can expect Wannabe Writers to run on Sunday of next week instead of Saturday.
I think sometimes sub-plots taking over may be a sign. Are they more interesting than the main plot? Should they maybe be the main focus? Of course that's the last thing you want to hear on the 3rd re-write. How many subplots do you have? I think in a novel subplots are necessary, but having too many can get confusing.
I'm actually afraid of the opposite, that I don't have enough subplots and my main plot is boring. Sigh. That is why I dare to suck!!
I do both, I think, which makes my story feel lopsided at times, but I think I'm figuring it out as I go along.
My main answer to the question: If a subplot is taking the main focus, your main plot is too weak, or the subplot should be your main plot.
I think your reader should be able to tell which plot is the main one. Otherwise, there are too many or, like Madeleine said, your main plot is too weak. Wish I could give you something more concrete!
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