What are plot points?
Quite simply plot points are individual events
that propel your story forward. Something that changes things, say like a first
kiss. That one event now changes everything because now they must acknowledge
their romantic attraction as it changes the course of their relationship.
Pretty much, all romance novels will have the
same basic point plots: introduction, first acknowledgement of attraction,
first love scene or first acknowledgement of the emotional commitment, a dark
moment (conflict) and a resolution.
First, before we get into the bare bones of what
a sub plot is and its purpose, let's visit each of the points I listed above.
The introduction. This is where the two suspecting
or unsuspecting characters, usually the novel's main characters are introduced
to each other or become reacquainted. It can be as simple as the two being
introduced through mutual friends at a party. As an example let's say the
books' two main characters meet quite by accident. After the first encounter
they keep running into each other, either unintentionally or at functions given
by mutual friends. This would be their introduction.
The first acknowledgement of attraction. Oh,
this one can play out for a good long time, or the characters acknowledge the
fact straight up, first thing after they've met. I'll use my novella, Timeless
Sojourn again as an example. While the story is told in the first person, in
Anne's voice, you still get a sense of what Geoffrey is feeling for Anne just
by his actions. He finds great pleasure
in aggravating her one minute, while the next, he's kind, serious and advising
her. Anne, on the other hand knows she is attracted to Geoffrey, but is
constantly battling her internal voice. She will admit to herself she is
attracted to him one minute, while in the next she will blow him off as being
arrogant, and that a man is the last thing she needs in her life. Fortunately,
Geoffrey takes the situation into his own hands, "shows" Anne what
her decision needs to be, and get's no argument from her.
First love scene could be anything from a shared
kiss all the way to steamy bedroom scene. It sets the stage for the characters
emotional commitment to each other. It
could be that first kiss-the one like you might remember from high school. The
one where after an evening out, the boy leaves you at your parents' front door?
But not before leaving you with a kiss. . .The two had an enjoyable dinner
together with conversation to match. The male lead character's simple kiss
sealed their mutual interest, and thus began their emotional commitment to the
other.
A dark moment or conflict could be either
between the two attracted characters or not. It can also happen at any point in
a novel. Perhaps before they have become a couple or while they are together.
In either case, it still has the two in constant contact. As an example, it
occurs far into the main storyline, after they've gotten together. It is a
situation that had more than one outcome (more on that in a moment). While the
conflict might not be aimed directly at them as a couple, but more as a way to
professionally and financially ruin the male lead character.
A good conflict or dark moment has to show the
strength and weaknesses of the hero and heroine. How are they going to respond?
Is this going to be a trying moment for their fledgling relationship or are
they stronger than the test they are being given? How is it going to take them
into the next part? The resolution.
Ah yes, the resolution. I love writing
resolutions because so much can be done. There are so many ways the conflict
can be resolved.
The type of book you're writing can also play a
part of how the conflict is resolved. If the book is to be a stand-alone novel,
the resolution should come by the end of the book. With a series of novellas or
even a series of novels, the conflict is usually not finished by the end of the
book. While the characters do take steps to resolve the conflict in the first
book, it may seem to the reader that it is not finished. That not all is known,
which is part of the fun of writing a series. . .the writer can leave the conflict
seemingly unresolved. Let the outcome or part of it spill over into the next
book. It baits the reader and leaves them wanting to know more. Sort of like a
television soap opera.
Now that I've shown you how those parts of a
novel work, let's get back to the sub plots and what it is and how it works. .
.
The sub plot must of course support and advance
the main storyline, the romance between the main characters. The integration of
sub plots into the main plot should be seamless. What makes romance novels
unique is the specific details to each plot point, and how each point fits into
the main story.
So exactly what is a subplot?
A subplot is
exactly the same thing as the novel’s central plot, only it is much smaller.
While the main plot should always begin and end the novel, any minor plots
should happen within these.
Subplots are useful in turning what might
otherwise have been a very slender novel into something more substantial. Short
stories usually consist of one plot. Turn this one simple plot into a much
lengthier one, and you will have something recognizable as a novel on your
hands.
Most novels are a truly complex story with
multiple strands running through it. But beyond merely bumping up the word
count and adding complexity to the story, there are even stronger advantages to
adding subplots to a novel.
They help with the characterization and can also
help with the portrayal of the theme. Lastly, they add variety to the novel.
And how exactly do you handle subplots?
The key when plotting a novel with several plot
lines is not becoming confused, to treat each as a plot. In other words treat
the main plot and all the lesser ones as entirely separate mini novels. There
will be a lot of switching and moving around and merging, but you should end up
with a main plot containing as many subplots as you have written. There will be
a large amount of common ground between the plot and subplots, but focusing on
each in a separate story and ignoring the others, at least initially will
result in a much stronger novel.
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| Jamie Salisbury |
Guest post by Jamie Salisbury. Jamie Salisbury cannot imagine a time
when she did not write. A skill that has served her well throughout her diversified
professional career that encompassed public relations in and around the
entertainment industry, photography, editing, and special event planning.
An avid reader of history,
biographies, and romance it's only natural that she prefers to write romances with characters said to be "so authentic they spring forth from
the page and shake the reader's hand." No stranger to life threatening situations Jamie pulls
from life experience when she creates her stories. Such as when her family had to escape Chile
Finding herself unable to walk
great distances as a result of several foot surgeries, she started
writing once again as a way to pass the time. With the completion of her first
novel Perpetual Love she dove head first into the eBook and digital publishing
paradigm. She couldn't be happier with her decision to grab the publishing
industry by the shoulders and force it to pay attention to all she has to
offer.
Contact Links
Website: http://www.jamiesalisbury.com/
Romance Novel
Center: http://www.romancenovelcenter.com/jamiesalisbury
Twitter: @JamieRSalisbury
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