A novel needs more than an A Plot to reach the right complexity and depth. Plot threads must come together So, what kinds of subplots actually matter and are more than fluff to reach some arbitrary word count?

Here are some ideas:

- Other characters’ actions, motivations, and desires affecting the MC’s progress toward the goal (by creating a new obstacle, discovering helpful information, upping the stakes, etc.)

- Seeing the characters’ wounds/misconceptions in action, which creates more problems to be resolved, and makes the need for change clearer

- Giving secondary characters a parallel experience to the MC (foil)

- Exploring a major theme (love is sacrifice, the high cost of war, the freedom forgiveness provides, etc) through a different lens



Check out https://Carly-Stevens.com. You'll find:
-- info about all my books
-- a link to a bunch of free fantasy short stories which lets you join my sweet newsletter (welcome to the team!)
-- a free fiction self-editing checklist in the shop

We can also hang out on Instagram or TikTok: @carlystevensbooks. See you there!

If you want to see more videos from me, I have a second channel that focuses on academic stuff -- literature and writing essays and nerding out about being an English teacher. There's still a ton of leftover creative writing videos to discover there if you're interested. The channel's called English Nerd. :)