Honestly one of the best writing channels I've listened to. Normally i find that the information just washes over me due to my ADHD but your use of examples and graphs have really helped things click for me. Thank you so much :)
@@The-Second-StoryHey mam I am from india 🇮🇳 Can u plz put a video about HOW TO WRITE GREAT DIALOGUES like "with great power comes great responsibility" "U either die a hero or live long enough to see yourself become the villain" (FORESHADOW) "hardest choices requires the strongest will" "Why do we fall sir so that we can Learn to pick up ourselves" "No amount of money ever bought a second of time" "Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift of God, which is why we call it the present.” "Hope is a good thing, may be the best of things, and no good thing ever dies" Because I personally believe u have the ability to answer this Because of ur EXPERIENCE
Finally writing tips that makes sense to my chaotically ordered brain! You're so good at explaining. The thing I struggle most with is writing realistic and interesting dialogue, so it would be very helpful to hear your thoughts on it.
I'm so glad my videos have been helping you! Dialogue is a video I am very much looking forward to making! It's very high on my list. Thank you for watching!
I'm so grateful for your wisdom and excited to see your channel grow. I remember when it was 4k and now you are past 10k. So happy for you and the blossoming of your and everyone's stories.
Thank you! And thank you so much for your support! I'm over the moon that my videos have been so helpful to so many people. I really enjoy making them, too. Thanks again!
Firstly, what a great story! You make it look so effortless, but I know it’s not. I completely get it now, thank you so much, your videos as invaluable! Adele x
I used to struggle with writing a lot because of my ADHD, but the way you explain things would have been such a game-changer for a younger me. I truly hope someone like I was finds your video and receives that blessing. Your ability to break things down so clearly makes writing feel less overwhelming, and that’s something I really needed back then. It’s amazing how much impact thoughtful guidance like yours can have. Please keep sharing your insights-you never know who might be watching and finding the encouragement they need to keep going.
I remember being a teenager and struggling so much trying to understand the hundreds and hundreds of different story concepts and ideas that were everywhere, and being so overwhelmed. When I put together my videos, I try to make them so younger me could have understood them and answer the questions I was asking back then. It means a lot that my video has helped you too. I hope I can continue to make helpful videos! Thank you!
Just wanted to compliment your style and grace. Your videos are fun to watch and incredibly full of insightful knowledge. And your beautiful voice doesn't hurt the experience (what is that accent? it is angelic). If you enjoy doing this, you should absolutely keep it up. Don't change the strategy. Just keep doing exactly what you're doing in your last few videos, with different writing topics, and you will climb very fast. I was disappointed only when I ran out of videos.
About cutting subplots that end up not working, or anything else that doesn’t work - Tolkien has the best advice even though he didn’t mean it as writing advice: “Love not too well the work of thy hands.” Turgon was told this regarding his founding of Gondolin. Of course, it served as foreshadowing as well because he promptly forgot that advice and was eventually gacked by balrogs.
This is incredible! I never seen any writing teacher put this much effort! you're way too good especially for those with adhd. btw, this story is incredible, it's so psychologically beautiful, it's very much worth writing, even though I feel upset that I already know the twist 😭 side note: I don't know if anyone here thinks the same, but I noticed that animes/manga mostly great with subplots, I just realized it while watching your video, I don't know what's the secret or technique behind it, just something popped up in my head.
Maybe I'll wait like twenty years and then write it and by then you'll have forgotten all about it! But in all seriousness, thank you. I'm really glad my videos are helpful.
In my book the different plots sort of spawn one another. In the first chapter the devil emperor (who is the father of our first perspective character) dies. In the following chapter our second main character is conspiring with other kingdoms to rebel while the emperor's sons squabble for the throne. We countinue with the rebellion plotline for a while, then return to the emperor's son, who is now the new devil emperor. During his scene, he sends an important hostage (a princess) back to her city as part of his plan to deal with the rebellion. In the following chapter our third and last perspective character is introduced, trying to get a glimpse at the beautiful princess during a festival put about to honour her arrival. It's not necessary to do this, but I think it adds to the natural flow of the story. It sort of gives us the context between these characters, who never meet during the first two thirds of the book.
@@userelsi Well, it's a multi POV book (not unheard of in epic fantasy), and I consider the three perspective characters my main characters. It's really the minimal amount I could come up with to show the full narrative. And I don't really consider them subplots, more like one big plot, because our second POV character is rebelling against the emperor's son (first POV character). The main plot is them fighting one another. Our third POV gets tangled in all this (He was mostly a way for me to show a different side of the war, and a bit of comic relief from all the seriousness, but I also did give a him a subplot, as he can't just be a regular soldier with no personality. But his is the only plot I actually consider a subplot). And it's a book about intelligent monkeys fighting with iron age tools and tactics, I should probably mention. Anyways, I appreciate your comment. Feedback is always welcome :)
Thank you so much for making these videos!! They’re very easy to understand and make the story writing process so much simpler and funner with more understanding! Have a great day!!
"Don't let the subplots overtake the main plot" is just good life advice in general, honestly. Being writers, we shouldn't let all that other stuff get between us and the writing. This just hit me this morning after seeing your video yesterday. Yes. Your videos have made it into my unconcious. I'd say all the hours you are putting in are having an effect.
Oh, my goodness, Hilary, your demo was sooooooooooooooo good!!!! I love, love, love the plot of it and would read a full version in a heartbeat, but the in-depth explanation into your thought process was so helpful! It's like a hearty meal for my brain, lol. When you described how to do transitions without the plot lines affecting each other yet by using even small things like setting, a shackle I'd put on myself broke loose. I was either forcing direct connections or cutting subplots altogether in order to keep that main plot the, well, main plot. But that happens in movies and I never batted an eye, so why can't I do that? Thank you so much!! Maybe I just need to pay closer attention to the media I consume, but am still so grateful for everything you lay out so clearly. Your demos are worth their weight in gold! Here's to a New Year and a 1,000,000 subs by 2026! ;D
Thank you! I'm glad that demonstration ended up being not boring, it was really fun to play with it for a while. And I'm really glad my explanation was also helpful! Happy New Year to you, too! And thank you again!
First of all, your coffee looks *delicious*, do you have a recipe? Second of all, thank you for your videos. You are becoming my favorite writing channel, love the way you explain topics, it's all so clear and useful ❤
Thank you! I'm glad my videos have been so helpful. I always hope I'm being clear, but I'm never completely sure... My coffee is a little odd, and I developed the recipe accidentally. I usually make a simple flat white, but one day I wanted to add hot cocoa, but I didn't have any. So I added a teaspoon of Ovaltine (I know), and it was amazing. Subtle chocolate flavors but without the syrupy sweetness.
What a brilliant video. Thank you so much. I feel so lucky for finding your channel just the other day - So much quality content packed into each video! I was very quickly invested in your example story, as was the case in other videos too. I know you spend some time creating the examples for your videos (and don't just make them up on the spot), but they seem so effortlessly well weaved together. It's impressive and slightly daunting. Makes me want to reconsider a lot of things about my project, which is scary but probably a good thing in the end.
Thank you! I hope my videos can help you! And maybe my example stories can light little inspiration sparks! I do spend a little time on them. I like making them for my videos both because I think they're helpful and because I treat them like an exercise for myself. I find exercises like that done frequently to be very helpful, personally. Just like exercising a muscle, I suppose. Thank you so much for watching!
I watched first on my TV and let it play in the background. this is the second watch and this time I'm taking notes. Adding to my author playlist just in case I need a refresher in the future. THANK YOU!!
I love this channel! I've learned so much, especially from your Character Development video. I've got strong characters and a sense of direction from it.
I'm really glad the graphics help. I even find it helpful making them; it really refreshes my own understanding of the concepts. Thank you for watching!
Another great video. You are a phenomenal instructor. Short of some of the Sanderson videos and the channel Hello Future Me. I don't think someone has come as close to thinking about stories as I do. Or rather, how I need some things explained. Thank you very much for your hard work and willingness to make these videos.
First of all, thank you for your time and effort. Secondly, are you in my mind? Great timing as I was looking for subplot videos and yours popped up. Lastly, I love this structural approach you have. I've only seen Brandon Sanderson do it, but you have taken the 1st spot, for me! I would like to hear your take on his plot method sometime. 🙏🏽
@4:55 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾 made me feel even better about how my book starts. There is a mini arc for the main subplot. And I actually went back and changed it slightly AFTER watching your previous video about the multiple small arcs!!
Thank you! I'm glad the video was helpful and the example was entertaining! I would also enjoy reading that book, might have to write it one of these days... Thank you for watching!
First off- only 30 seconds in here, butTHANK YOU! Glad you posted another video 🎉🎉🎉❤🎉🎉🎉 I've been listening to many others, but I feel I'm much more in sync with how you approach these subjects. It makes sense to me. Thank you again!
Great video! Very neatly and clearly explained, as always with your channel. I loved the example story you created, would read the hell out of that book. Thank you for you knowledge!
Thank you! I'm so glad my explanations were clear. I'm never completely sure if I've made things clear or just a lot more confusing. (I would also read that book! I got really into this example this time. I still find myself thinking about the novelist and the bride.) Thank you very much for watching!
Thank you! I'm glad you're finding my videos helpful! I did have fun planning that novelist story, so I'm glad it was entertaining, too. Thank you for watching!
That’s a pretty darn exciting hypothetical novel. I think it did well to demonstrate the points established in the beginning. Really nicely done :) This was fun
I’ve watched your very first video when the channel was quite small, I’m so happy to see how many more people have found your channel and enjoy your content! Thank you for always putting so much effort in your videos, it really shows, and the examples help a ton! Sometimes I can’t grasp the concepts without examples, so this is gold
Thank you very much for your support from the beginning! That really means so much to me! I also really appreciate your taking the time to leave this comment. It really helps me to know that the examples are helpful. That's the one part of my videos that I always consider cutting thinking that it won't really help people. But it's also the part of my videos that I have the most fun with. So I like knowing that not only are they not a waste of my time, they're actually helping. Thank you again!
You hit all the high points. Good exposition. Mind, I was thinking about Pulp Fiction, whic was nothing but sub plots, or Cloud Atlas. Same thing. You're right about emphasizing the hierarchy of arcs. Those stories are weaker for not choosing an arc and sticking with it. Thumbs' up! "Trapped in a car surrounded by a pack of demon dogs . . ." HATE it when that happens.
Thank you! I agree, stories that bunch a lot of plotlines together without making one of them the foundation of the story do suffer as a result. (I know right. Demon dogs are always ruining my Friday nights.)
Thank you for your awesome videos and the effort you put in for them. They're so helpful. For this one, your examples all have multiple pov's. It would be great if you could expand on how to structure a subplot when you have only one pov? Thanks again
Do you mean multiple subplots built around a single character? The structure is almost the exact same. Connective tissue and points of connection are really important for building relevance into subplots, but when you have the same main character in your subplot as in your main plot, this is a little easier. Besides that the idea is the same. You need to make sure that the subplot is relevant to the main plot and serves it. In my example, Michael Clayton's subplot involving his failed restaurant was relevant because he was under an enormous amount of pressure to pay off that debt. This was a major motivator for him to make certain choices involving his battle against U-North. Later, his brother, with whom he'd had a major falling out over the restaurant, was involved in Michael's final play against U-North, allowing the beginnings of reconciliation that helped with character development. If you study that film, it's a very good and simple example of a subplot involving the same main character as the main plot. (Michael also has another very small subplot in that film involving his son. It was more of a literary device, of a sort, than a subplot and involved his son's obsession with a novel and tabletop game which he's desperately trying to get his father to get involved in. This novel is woven through the whole film and serves, as well, to develop the relationship between Michael and his son as a form of character development that was almost carried by the significance of the book. The son and his obsession with this book was connected in solid, structural ways to the main plot.) Thank you for watching! I hope that helped answer your question.
Awesome video! I was so sad when you stopped “story hour” 😂 I got really invested in the plot! Definitely hooked me in! There are a lot of videos on writing techniques and tips but your approach, for me, is the best. Teaching concepts in a void is quite difficult but using an example like you did is much more enriching and enjoyable as well! Thank you so much. I’m off to scrivener to try and implement some of these ideas, although now I want to write about a novelist with questionable parents, I wonder where did that idea come from 🤔
Thank you! I'm just glad to hear that the demonstration part of the video wasn't boring. Good luck on your writing! I hope you find the video helpful! Thank you for watching!
I’ve started to truly work more on my story and your videos, cadence, and structure have exactly what I’ve been looking for in an amazingly digestible format. Thank you for all you do.
I enjoy a lot of what I have seen. You have a pleasant delivery and your points are coherent. I like coffee as well - if I ever manage to publish a novel, it will own the dedication page. I have a sober question to ask. Where are your writing samples? How does a person presume to give advice about anything without offering any evidence that they do it well? You are even assigning homework now. Would you take someone's advice just because they set up shop and tried to make money by dispensing it? Beyond this question of credibility, much of what you advise could be understood (and evaluated critically) if your audience could see your writing. For example, if you are telling people what to do and what not to do when writing the subplots of their own novels, it would be beneficial to see how you are implementing your own advice in YOUR novel. So far I have watched each of your videos as they have been posted. Now I am saying I would like to read your novel. There are scores of writing channels doing something similar. Some writers are published, some are famous, and some are neither. Regardless, many creators of video "content" provide links to their sources, background, qualifications, credentials, or their own creative portfolio. Of course, TH-cam does not care who is teaching or giving advice because it isn't part of the business model. They don't have to, because most viewers are not stopping to think for themselves before they click. Nevertheless, you could provide evidence of your accomplishment and credibility as a writer, and give your viewers a reason to listen to you - something besides the fact that video is captivating in general and that watching youtube is easier than doing actual work. Your channel is well done, and I hope you continue to succeed.
What a fantastic writing guide! You really are the best writing teacher I have come across! And what an example novel idea! I want to read that! So glad I found your channel!
Thank you! I'm really glad you found my channel too, and that this video is helpful! In truth, putting it (and my other videos) together really helps me, too. The story examples are like personal exercises that I can use to practice and remind myself of the principles. But it is nice to hear that they're entertaining as well! Thank you! Thank you so much for watching!
I'm fascinated by your story idea about the misremembered kidnapping memory. There's something really eerily psychological about it. Reminds me a bit of Freud's case study of "screen memories" and how his patient displaced traumatic memories into a different subject
I really enjoy studying the psychology of perception and memory. I suppose it bled through in the example. Psychological eeriness makes for such a potentially rich story, in my opinion!
Another video! Great timing for my New Year’s writing resolution :) I am stuck at the climax of my story, wondering how many subplots I need to tie into the exact same moment, or if it’s just too much, so your video is perfect timing!
I second what others have said, I have ADHD and your channel might be the only one I've come across that has actually helped and produced results. It would be good to have a video on writing a book series, where say there's an overarching plot across the book series but each book will of course have subplots etc that all connects from book to book if that makes any sense? lol because in this case, I would assume you need to have all the books at least somewhat planned ahead, in order to have the events connect properly?
Absolutely. You can write the books episodically if you want, but if you want to give the series an overarching story then you really need to have as much of it planned as possible before you start the first one. This helps the story remain cohesive and connected. It prevents plot holes, and it helps keep things seamlessly connected and smooth. At that point the series is the overarching story arc, each book is a smaller arc, and each book is then broken down into still smaller arcs and so on. That is all much easier to plan all at once. I'll probably cover series a little more when I do my next video on mini-arcs and plot structuring. Thank you very much for watching! I'm glad my channel has been able to help you so much!
Thank you so much, Hilary! This was (as always) immensely helpful. I am currently writing something different from what I am accustomed to, & how to weave subplots in naturally is becoming a challenge. I typically write multiple PoV, each chapter devoted to its own character & plot, & I find that to be easy. What I'm writing now is a single POV coming of age story as a travelogue. The main plot is "get to this distant place where life will be better" & the MC has a series of struggles & misadventures while she's trying to get there, but they're more like you describe as "mini-arcs" & not subplots. I suppose there ARE subplots for her -- how she handles the loss of her mother, her strained relationship with her father, her attempts to learn the skills required to survive on her own in this world, the relationships she fosters on the way. In a single POV, heavily introspective story like mine, switching between these subplots feels...I dunno. Heavy handed? Forced? Sometimes even unnecessary? I'd love to hear your thoughts on how differently you would juggle subplots for a single POV story like this. Cheers!
I would handle subplots built into the main character exactly the same way I would handle any other kind of subplot. The main difference is that transitions are a lot easier to create, as the plotlines share a main character. However, the subplots still need to serve and be relevant to the main plot. In your example, the matter with the character's loss of her mother and strained relationship with her father will need to be made relevant to her main plot, getting to that distant place. Maybe the father has to help her with transportation, but won't if they don't deal with the loss of the mother, for example. If these are just really small aspects of her character, the built connection doesn't need to be as strong, but it still needs to be there. If, however, it's actually its own subplot, it must be relevant to the main plot. If transitions feel too forced, it's a possible sign that the subplots have no immediate relevance to the main plot. If you rework the story and the subplots to make them relevant, you'll find that transitions happen more naturally. I hope that helps! Thank you for watching!
If you want to know everything there is about subplot and need an even deeper and longer example, watch the first two seasons of Twin Peaks. It's a clinic on subplot.
Thank you! I think it would be best to view these two plotlines as still distinct. In Michael Clayton, for example, the subplot in which he was struggling with his failed restaurant was separate from anything having to do with his job. The scenes and mini-arcs were interwoven exactly as they would have been had they been two different characters. The main difference is that these transitions don't require as much work to be smooth, as the connective tissue is built in with the shared main character. I would advise you to think of them as distinct and treat their development and planning the same as any other subplot, making sure to make relevance always clear, but not to be as concerned about making the transitions smooth. I hope that helps. Thanks for watching!
In case one has multiple main characters, how do we approach the main plot? Do you baptize one as the main plot and the rest of the main character plots turn into subplots? (And perhaps in the next book, you change it up?)
In cases of multiple main characters, there does need to be one who is the primary main character. Even if just by a little bit, even if the others are almost as prominent as that one, there can still just be one main character. The best ensemble movies do this by appointing one of the main characters as the foundation of the story; this is often subtle, but still very clear and deliberate (think, Danny Ocean). Hugely-populated fantasy novels that are well-balanced also have one of the characters who is the primary character. There are very rare instances where this isn't quite the case. In the Narnia books, for example, (especially in The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe) the four children are handled almost as one character. Though occasionally one will be doing something on his own. Lewis was a skilled, natural storyteller, so he accomplished this with temporary subplots. Edmund had a small temporary subplot which he helmed while allying with the White Witch. When he rejoined the group and reconciled with his siblings, this essentially killed that subplot, once again making Edmund a part of the four-character-main-character. But that's harder to do without adopting the classical storytelling style, which is very uncommon these days. I hope that makes sense. You are absolutely right, you do sort of just have to pick one to be the main character and that one then gets more prominence in the narrative and the other main characters serve that character and that plotline. This is almost incidental of course, as the group of characters likely have the same general plot path so this is a case where main plots and subplots are ALMOST overlapping. And you can absolutely change it for the next book if you want! But that's a style choice, and it's up to you entirely. Thank you for watching!
What with the subplots that, initially, seem far away from the main plot, but it all comes together by the end of second act/beginning of the third? There's no immediate therefore, but as a whole story, it weaves together well.
I'm sorry, I'm not exactly sure what you mean. But even when subplots are seemingly separate for a large part of the story, the events of each plotline are still connected. Immediate therefores, as I said, are not necessary for connecting separate plotlines. Loose or broad therefores are sufficient for connection. But some connection, even very loose connection, is always evident. Even if it's just the fact that they take place in the same city or at the same time, the author still takes pains to show connection. What you describe as "weaving together" is exactly that: connections that join the plotlines, that weave them together.
Awesome as always. I may need another session to digest all of it, but the key impressions I gained focus on pacing and relevance. It's funny, I had a completely different idea of sub-plot. What are your thoughts on subplots within a single narrative? As an example, our MC has a subplot with their mother, the mailman, and the neighbor's dog. All progress outside or alongside the main narrative and have a way of weaving into something cohesive. Or, would this simply be called, the plot? Great, as always.
Subplots that are secondary plotline for the main character are still subplots. They should be handled in much the same way. There is the added benefit, however, of easier transitions. The plotlines all share the same main character which is built in connective tissue. But they still need to follow the same rules. There needs to be only one primary one, and the others have to be relevant to that plotline. The matter with the neighbor's dog has to be relevant to whatever the main plotline is. Otherwise it should probably be cut as it will cause a disruption in the balance of the story. There still need to be points of connection binding the plotlines together over and above the shared main character. Thank you for watching!
One of my first videos was about mini-arcs. I've actually put a link to that video in the description for this one if you're interested. Thank you for watching!
Another good video! I actually hadn't known much about how subplots work, so this was very enlightening! (As per your other videos) I noticed how you conclude the written blurbs of the mini-arcs at the mini-climax, which brings me to something I'm a bit confused on. Is the "end" part of the "beginning-climax-end" shape of the arc removable? As in, can the mini-arc just end at the climax, and abruptly shift to the next arc? It sometimes feels like the end of a mini-arc and the beginning of the next is sort of merged together to the point that I can't pinpoint where it exactly transitions. Or is the end of the mini-arc exactly the "therefore" itself? This is just a little confusion I had when it came to analyzing the pacing of stories, so I'd be happy for some clarification! Also late happy new year's! I look forward to your next video! I could honestly go either way with conflict and dialogue, but I'm more curious about the latter
It can be removed, yes. You can reach the mini-climax and abruptly end the arc there. That works especially well for shocking developments. I don't usually write the end of the arc -- the part after the mini-climax -- at the first draft stage, because it's hard to know for sure how I'll need to wrap up the arc to flow into the next without actually writing the scene. The important thing I like to take note of is the mini-climax. The shift from the end of one mini-arc to the beginning of the next -- in the actual story -- is often almost seamless. Which is why the mini-climaxes are the best way to chart the arcs. Sometimes the transition from one arc to the next is very clear, sometimes it's not at all, especially the faster-paced that part of the story is. I hope that clarifies things a little! Thank you for watching and for your support. And a Happy New Year to you as well!
I guess the downhill slope kind of signifies the 'sequel' to the 'scene' of the uphill part. The part after the climax where the characters have a reaction to and contemplate what happened. Ofcourse you could also move this to the next chapter, or howev3r you wanna structure it
It's the exact same principles. It needs to be subordinate to the main character's main plot and it must serve it, or it should probably be cut. Therefore there should be noticeable connections between them. The only real difference is that transitions will be a lot easier to handle because the connective tissue of the shared main character is there. Otherwise, it's the same. Thanks for watching!
The only question I've got is WHY are you not writing this story?!!! It's awesome!! Like, if not a book, at least a movie script. It's a good example, yes, but I think it'd be worth finishing too!
I think the best part of cutting a subplot is it a chance to create a parallel story to the first. For me it’s a forced spinoff if the subplot has enough going for it.
That's completely true! I've decided to turn one of the ones I cut into a novella. Which will make it easier to tell that plot anyway. Always a silver lining!
4:00 It seems to me that this is not always true. Sometimes it takes time to write the first act of a story in an interesting way. And while the author is preparing the pieces of the puzzle that will come together at the end of the first act, we need something to follow. In this case, you can start with a subplot, which can be followed and which will then be incorporated into the main plot. Only here it is important not to overdo it and not to concentrate all the viewer's/reader's attention on the subplot, otherwise the viewer's/reader's expectations will be betrayed. I.e. concentration of attention on the characters, the world, dialogues, and the subplot just does not let it all fall apart into separate scenes. I like a slow first act and a solid preparation for the second act.
great vid, also don't be sorry about the level of detail you go into, the main problem with a lot of writing videos is that most of them are too vague or have rules too rigid.
Thank you for this comment. It really helps to know that others find the details helpful. I worry sometimes that I overexplain things or that the demonstrations are boring. So thank you, and thanks for watching!
I have an idea for a character so called "The Chosen One Archpriestess" I just want to make an angelic character with contradictive intentions, like making her control an entire western kingdom with her as a head of western church, making every kingdom as her puppet to hunt down every witches-like people in my story. I feel it's so difficult to make her as a real person and not a character
It is challenging to bring characters alive. But I think there are some considerations that can help with that. I have a video on character creation that you might find helpful. Good luck with your writing, and with your character!
All sorts of writers post advice videos on TH-cam, which is a great thing and very helpful. However, I personally don't need these, because I do whatever I want and no one can stop me.
Anyone paying to do your homework has way too much time and money. Critiques of actual WIPs would be a much better service to provide for everyone involved.
Honestly one of the best writing channels I've listened to.
Normally i find that the information just washes over me due to my ADHD but your use of examples and graphs have really helped things click for me.
Thank you so much :)
That's exactly my problem, too. The examples are so eye-opening!
The pain of cutting a subplot is heartbreaking
I know, right! I had to console myself by promising I would write a little novella for the major one I had to cut. It helped. A little.
@@The-Second-StoryHey mam I am from india 🇮🇳
Can u plz put a video about
HOW TO WRITE GREAT DIALOGUES like
"with great power comes great responsibility"
"U either die a hero or live long enough to see yourself become the villain" (FORESHADOW)
"hardest choices requires the strongest will"
"Why do we fall sir so that we can Learn to pick up ourselves"
"No amount of money ever bought a second of time"
"Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift of God, which is why we call it the present.”
"Hope is a good thing, may be the best of things, and no good thing ever dies"
Because I personally believe u have the ability to answer this
Because of ur EXPERIENCE
Finally writing tips that makes sense to my chaotically ordered brain! You're so good at explaining.
The thing I struggle most with is writing realistic and interesting dialogue, so it would be very helpful to hear your thoughts on it.
I'm so glad my videos have been helping you! Dialogue is a video I am very much looking forward to making! It's very high on my list.
Thank you for watching!
I'm so grateful for your wisdom and excited to see your channel grow. I remember when it was 4k and now you are past 10k. So happy for you and the blossoming of your and everyone's stories.
Thank you! And thank you so much for your support! I'm over the moon that my videos have been so helpful to so many people. I really enjoy making them, too. Thanks again!
Firstly, what a great story! You make it look so effortless, but I know it’s not. I completely get it now, thank you so much, your videos as invaluable! Adele x
Thank you, Adele! I'm really glad it was easy to understand. I'm never completely sure if I'm explaining things well, so thank you!
This is legitimately the most helpful writing channel I have stumbled across. Thank you for doing this!
I used to struggle with writing a lot because of my ADHD, but the way you explain things would have been such a game-changer for a younger me. I truly hope someone like I was finds your video and receives that blessing. Your ability to break things down so clearly makes writing feel less overwhelming, and that’s something I really needed back then. It’s amazing how much impact thoughtful guidance like yours can have. Please keep sharing your insights-you never know who might be watching and finding the encouragement they need to keep going.
I remember being a teenager and struggling so much trying to understand the hundreds and hundreds of different story concepts and ideas that were everywhere, and being so overwhelmed. When I put together my videos, I try to make them so younger me could have understood them and answer the questions I was asking back then. It means a lot that my video has helped you too. I hope I can continue to make helpful videos! Thank you!
Just wanted to compliment your style and grace. Your videos are fun to watch and incredibly full of insightful knowledge. And your beautiful voice doesn't hurt the experience (what is that accent? it is angelic). If you enjoy doing this, you should absolutely keep it up. Don't change the strategy. Just keep doing exactly what you're doing in your last few videos, with different writing topics, and you will climb very fast. I was disappointed only when I ran out of videos.
Finally a helpful writing channel
About cutting subplots that end up not working, or anything else that doesn’t work - Tolkien has the best advice even though he didn’t mean it as writing advice:
“Love not too well the work of thy hands.”
Turgon was told this regarding his founding of Gondolin. Of course, it served as foreshadowing as well because he promptly forgot that advice and was eventually gacked by balrogs.
This is incredible! I never seen any writing teacher put this much effort! you're way too good especially for those with adhd.
btw, this story is incredible, it's so psychologically beautiful, it's very much worth writing, even though I feel upset that I already know the twist 😭
side note: I don't know if anyone here thinks the same, but I noticed that animes/manga mostly great with subplots, I just realized it while watching your video, I don't know what's the secret or technique behind it, just something popped up in my head.
Maybe I'll wait like twenty years and then write it and by then you'll have forgotten all about it! But in all seriousness, thank you. I'm really glad my videos are helpful.
In my book the different plots sort of spawn one another.
In the first chapter the devil emperor (who is the father of our first perspective character) dies.
In the following chapter our second main character is conspiring with other kingdoms to rebel while the emperor's sons squabble for the throne. We countinue with the rebellion plotline for a while, then return to the emperor's son, who is now the new devil emperor.
During his scene, he sends an important hostage (a princess) back to her city as part of his plan to deal with the rebellion.
In the following chapter our third and last perspective character is introduced, trying to get a glimpse at the beautiful princess during a festival put about to honour her arrival.
It's not necessary to do this, but I think it adds to the natural flow of the story. It sort of gives us the context between these characters, who never meet during the first two thirds of the book.
@@userelsi Well, it's a multi POV book (not unheard of in epic fantasy), and I consider the three perspective characters my main characters. It's really the minimal amount I could come up with to show the full narrative.
And I don't really consider them subplots, more like one big plot, because our second POV character is rebelling against the emperor's son (first POV character). The main plot is them fighting one another.
Our third POV gets tangled in all this (He was mostly a way for me to show a different side of the war, and a bit of comic relief from all the seriousness, but I also did give a him a subplot, as he can't just be a regular soldier with no personality. But his is the only plot I actually consider a subplot).
And it's a book about intelligent monkeys fighting with iron age tools and tactics, I should probably mention.
Anyways, I appreciate your comment. Feedback is always welcome :)
Thank you so much for making these videos!! They’re very easy to understand and make the story writing process so much simpler and funner with more understanding! Have a great day!!
Of course, I love making them! And I'm really glad they've been so helpful! Thank you for watching, and I hope you have a great day, too!
"Don't let the subplots overtake the main plot" is just good life advice in general, honestly. Being writers, we shouldn't let all that other stuff get between us and the writing. This just hit me this morning after seeing your video yesterday.
Yes. Your videos have made it into my unconcious. I'd say all the hours you are putting in are having an effect.
I'm glad my videos have been helping to inspire you. I can't help but agree, nothing shall come between us and our writing! Thank you for watching!
Your videos are by far the BEST ive ever listened to on youtube, thank you!
Thank you very much for this comment! It really means a lot to me that my videos can help other writers, so thank you!
Oh, my goodness, Hilary, your demo was sooooooooooooooo good!!!! I love, love, love the plot of it and would read a full version in a heartbeat, but the in-depth explanation into your thought process was so helpful! It's like a hearty meal for my brain, lol. When you described how to do transitions without the plot lines affecting each other yet by using even small things like setting, a shackle I'd put on myself broke loose. I was either forcing direct connections or cutting subplots altogether in order to keep that main plot the, well, main plot. But that happens in movies and I never batted an eye, so why can't I do that? Thank you so much!!
Maybe I just need to pay closer attention to the media I consume, but am still so grateful for everything you lay out so clearly. Your demos are worth their weight in gold!
Here's to a New Year and a 1,000,000 subs by 2026! ;D
Thank you! I'm glad that demonstration ended up being not boring, it was really fun to play with it for a while. And I'm really glad my explanation was also helpful!
Happy New Year to you, too! And thank you again!
First of all, your coffee looks *delicious*, do you have a recipe?
Second of all, thank you for your videos. You are becoming my favorite writing channel, love the way you explain topics, it's all so clear and useful ❤
Thank you! I'm glad my videos have been so helpful. I always hope I'm being clear, but I'm never completely sure...
My coffee is a little odd, and I developed the recipe accidentally. I usually make a simple flat white, but one day I wanted to add hot cocoa, but I didn't have any. So I added a teaspoon of Ovaltine (I know), and it was amazing. Subtle chocolate flavors but without the syrupy sweetness.
What a brilliant video. Thank you so much. I feel so lucky for finding your channel just the other day - So much quality content packed into each video!
I was very quickly invested in your example story, as was the case in other videos too. I know you spend some time creating the examples for your videos (and don't just make them up on the spot), but they seem so effortlessly well weaved together. It's impressive and slightly daunting. Makes me want to reconsider a lot of things about my project, which is scary but probably a good thing in the end.
Thank you! I hope my videos can help you! And maybe my example stories can light little inspiration sparks! I do spend a little time on them. I like making them for my videos both because I think they're helpful and because I treat them like an exercise for myself. I find exercises like that done frequently to be very helpful, personally. Just like exercising a muscle, I suppose.
Thank you so much for watching!
Timely video! I really, really needed this. Thank you.
I watched first on my TV and let it play in the background. this is the second watch and this time I'm taking notes. Adding to my author playlist just in case I need a refresher in the future. THANK YOU!!
I love this channel! I've learned so much, especially from your Character Development video. I've got strong characters and a sense of direction from it.
Excellent. The mini arc plot and subplot graphics reinforce the concept very clearly. Thank you for the time and hard work you put into these videos.
I'm really glad the graphics help. I even find it helpful making them; it really refreshes my own understanding of the concepts. Thank you for watching!
Another great video. You are a phenomenal instructor. Short of some of the Sanderson videos and the channel Hello Future Me. I don't think someone has come as close to thinking about stories as I do. Or rather, how I need some things explained. Thank you very much for your hard work and willingness to make these videos.
I have been waiting for your new video for the last week, hurayyyy
Oooooh! Just the subject I was thinking about! Awesome timing!
First of all, thank you for your time and effort. Secondly, are you in my mind? Great timing as I was looking for subplot videos and yours popped up.
Lastly, I love this structural approach you have. I've only seen Brandon Sanderson do it, but you have taken the 1st spot, for me! I would like to hear your take on his plot method sometime. 🙏🏽
@4:55 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾 made me feel even better about how my book starts. There is a mini arc for the main subplot. And I actually went back and changed it slightly AFTER watching your previous video about the multiple small arcs!!
I'm so glad it helped you! Thank you for this comment, it's so nice to know that my videos are helpful. Good luck with your book!
Man, I wouldn't mind reading the book about the novelist and the bride!!!!
LOVED the video, thank you!!!!
Thank you! I'm glad the video was helpful and the example was entertaining! I would also enjoy reading that book, might have to write it one of these days... Thank you for watching!
First off- only 30 seconds in here, butTHANK YOU! Glad you posted another video 🎉🎉🎉❤🎉🎉🎉 I've been listening to many others, but I feel I'm much more in sync with how you approach these subjects. It makes sense to me. Thank you again!
I so love the way you think about plots and sub plots supporting each other to make the story and characters stronger.
YAY SHE'S BACK
Exclaimed out loud when I saw you had a new upload! Thank you so much for these!
Great video! Very neatly and clearly explained, as always with your channel. I loved the example story you created, would read the hell out of that book. Thank you for you knowledge!
Thank you! I'm so glad my explanations were clear. I'm never completely sure if I've made things clear or just a lot more confusing. (I would also read that book! I got really into this example this time. I still find myself thinking about the novelist and the bride.)
Thank you very much for watching!
your channel is a gold mine, Thank you + the novelist story is so good I got engaged as well!
Thank you! I'm glad you're finding my videos helpful! I did have fun planning that novelist story, so I'm glad it was entertaining, too. Thank you for watching!
That’s a pretty darn exciting hypothetical novel.
I think it did well to demonstrate the points established in the beginning. Really nicely done :)
This was fun
I’m really enjoying your videos, very informative. Thank you :)
Thank you Hilary for your all of your wisdom and generosity… Just subscribed 🙏❤️
Thank you very much for your support!
your content is so nice, I'm using your charts and such to refine my characters for the game I'm developing
Thank you! I'm glad those graphics and things are proving helpful. Good luck with your game!
I’ve watched your very first video when the channel was quite small, I’m so happy to see how many more people have found your channel and enjoy your content!
Thank you for always putting so much effort in your videos, it really shows, and the examples help a ton! Sometimes I can’t grasp the concepts without examples, so this is gold
Thank you very much for your support from the beginning! That really means so much to me! I also really appreciate your taking the time to leave this comment. It really helps me to know that the examples are helpful. That's the one part of my videos that I always consider cutting thinking that it won't really help people. But it's also the part of my videos that I have the most fun with. So I like knowing that not only are they not a waste of my time, they're actually helping. Thank you again!
You hit all the high points. Good exposition.
Mind, I was thinking about Pulp Fiction, whic was nothing but sub plots, or Cloud Atlas. Same thing. You're right about emphasizing the hierarchy of arcs. Those stories are weaker for not choosing an arc and sticking with it.
Thumbs' up!
"Trapped in a car surrounded by a pack of demon dogs . . ." HATE it when that happens.
Thank you! I agree, stories that bunch a lot of plotlines together without making one of them the foundation of the story do suffer as a result.
(I know right. Demon dogs are always ruining my Friday nights.)
Thanks for another good video, Hilary~~
Really appreciate the thing and the way you are doing this. 👍
Thank you for your support!
So helpful, thank you!❤
Thank you for dedicating so much time and effort to your examples. It helps a lot in solidifying the concept.
I'm very, very glad that the examples are helpful. And thank you for taking the time to tell me as much!
Thank you for your awesome videos and the effort you put in for them. They're so helpful. For this one, your examples all have multiple pov's. It would be great if you could expand on how to structure a subplot when you have only one pov? Thanks again
Do you mean multiple subplots built around a single character? The structure is almost the exact same. Connective tissue and points of connection are really important for building relevance into subplots, but when you have the same main character in your subplot as in your main plot, this is a little easier. Besides that the idea is the same. You need to make sure that the subplot is relevant to the main plot and serves it. In my example, Michael Clayton's subplot involving his failed restaurant was relevant because he was under an enormous amount of pressure to pay off that debt. This was a major motivator for him to make certain choices involving his battle against U-North. Later, his brother, with whom he'd had a major falling out over the restaurant, was involved in Michael's final play against U-North, allowing the beginnings of reconciliation that helped with character development. If you study that film, it's a very good and simple example of a subplot involving the same main character as the main plot.
(Michael also has another very small subplot in that film involving his son. It was more of a literary device, of a sort, than a subplot and involved his son's obsession with a novel and tabletop game which he's desperately trying to get his father to get involved in. This novel is woven through the whole film and serves, as well, to develop the relationship between Michael and his son as a form of character development that was almost carried by the significance of the book. The son and his obsession with this book was connected in solid, structural ways to the main plot.)
Thank you for watching! I hope that helped answer your question.
As a non-writer this is very insightful. I feel like I've been armed with knowledge to get more out of the content I consume.
Awesome video! I was so sad when you stopped “story hour” 😂 I got really invested in the plot! Definitely hooked me in! There are a lot of videos on writing techniques and tips but your approach, for me, is the best. Teaching concepts in a void is quite difficult but using an example like you did is much more enriching and enjoyable as well! Thank you so much. I’m off to scrivener to try and implement some of these ideas, although now I want to write about a novelist with questionable parents, I wonder where did that idea come from 🤔
Thank you! I'm just glad to hear that the demonstration part of the video wasn't boring. Good luck on your writing! I hope you find the video helpful! Thank you for watching!
I’ve started to truly work more on my story and your videos, cadence, and structure have exactly what I’ve been looking for in an amazingly digestible format. Thank you for all you do.
Thank you! I'm so glad my videos have helped you so much your story!
I enjoy a lot of what I have seen. You have a pleasant delivery and your points are coherent. I like coffee as well - if I ever manage to publish a novel, it will own the dedication page.
I have a sober question to ask.
Where are your writing samples?
How does a person presume to give advice about anything without offering any evidence that they do it well?
You are even assigning homework now.
Would you take someone's advice just because they set up shop and tried to make money by dispensing it?
Beyond this question of credibility, much of what you advise could be understood (and evaluated critically) if your audience could see your writing. For example, if you are telling people what to do and what not to do when writing the subplots of their own novels, it would be beneficial to see how you are implementing your own advice in YOUR novel.
So far I have watched each of your videos as they have been posted. Now I am saying I would like to read your novel.
There are scores of writing channels doing something similar. Some writers are published, some are famous, and some are neither. Regardless, many creators of video "content" provide links to their sources, background, qualifications, credentials, or their own creative portfolio.
Of course, TH-cam does not care who is teaching or giving advice because it isn't part of the business model. They don't have to, because most viewers are not stopping to think for themselves before they click.
Nevertheless, you could provide evidence of your accomplishment and credibility as a writer, and give your viewers a reason to listen to you - something besides the fact that video is captivating in general and that watching youtube is easier than doing actual work.
Your channel is well done, and I hope you continue to succeed.
Thankyou so much, you are one of the best teacher
What a fantastic writing guide! You really are the best writing teacher I have come across! And what an example novel idea! I want to read that! So glad I found your channel!
Thank you! I'm really glad you found my channel too, and that this video is helpful! In truth, putting it (and my other videos) together really helps me, too. The story examples are like personal exercises that I can use to practice and remind myself of the principles. But it is nice to hear that they're entertaining as well! Thank you!
Thank you so much for watching!
I'm fascinated by your story idea about the misremembered kidnapping memory. There's something really eerily psychological about it. Reminds me a bit of Freud's case study of "screen memories" and how his patient displaced traumatic memories into a different subject
I really enjoy studying the psychology of perception and memory. I suppose it bled through in the example. Psychological eeriness makes for such a potentially rich story, in my opinion!
Super interesting, will have to finish it tomorrow, but this is great! Thanks! 🌸
Thanks for putting this one out. You've really helped me with this one.
Hi back to Otto. Thanks for another great vid 🙂
These are always just … rock solid. Thank you for this video.
Thank you!
Thank you. I found this very helpful in sorting out my story. Previously rather lost in scenes and arcs!
That's great, I'm glad it could help you! Thank you for watching and happy writing!
Another video! Great timing for my New Year’s writing resolution :)
I am stuck at the climax of my story, wondering how many subplots I need to tie into the exact same moment, or if it’s just too much, so your video is perfect timing!
I love your videos! Thank you!
I second what others have said, I have ADHD and your channel might be the only one I've come across that has actually helped and produced results. It would be good to have a video on writing a book series, where say there's an overarching plot across the book series but each book will of course have subplots etc that all connects from book to book if that makes any sense? lol because in this case, I would assume you need to have all the books at least somewhat planned ahead, in order to have the events connect properly?
Absolutely. You can write the books episodically if you want, but if you want to give the series an overarching story then you really need to have as much of it planned as possible before you start the first one. This helps the story remain cohesive and connected. It prevents plot holes, and it helps keep things seamlessly connected and smooth. At that point the series is the overarching story arc, each book is a smaller arc, and each book is then broken down into still smaller arcs and so on. That is all much easier to plan all at once. I'll probably cover series a little more when I do my next video on mini-arcs and plot structuring.
Thank you very much for watching! I'm glad my channel has been able to help you so much!
Thank you so much, Hilary! This was (as always) immensely helpful.
I am currently writing something different from what I am accustomed to, & how to weave subplots in naturally is becoming a challenge. I typically write multiple PoV, each chapter devoted to its own character & plot, & I find that to be easy.
What I'm writing now is a single POV coming of age story as a travelogue. The main plot is "get to this distant place where life will be better" & the MC has a series of struggles & misadventures while she's trying to get there, but they're more like you describe as "mini-arcs" & not subplots.
I suppose there ARE subplots for her -- how she handles the loss of her mother, her strained relationship with her father, her attempts to learn the skills required to survive on her own in this world, the relationships she fosters on the way.
In a single POV, heavily introspective story like mine, switching between these subplots feels...I dunno. Heavy handed? Forced? Sometimes even unnecessary?
I'd love to hear your thoughts on how differently you would juggle subplots for a single POV story like this.
Cheers!
I would handle subplots built into the main character exactly the same way I would handle any other kind of subplot. The main difference is that transitions are a lot easier to create, as the plotlines share a main character. However, the subplots still need to serve and be relevant to the main plot. In your example, the matter with the character's loss of her mother and strained relationship with her father will need to be made relevant to her main plot, getting to that distant place. Maybe the father has to help her with transportation, but won't if they don't deal with the loss of the mother, for example. If these are just really small aspects of her character, the built connection doesn't need to be as strong, but it still needs to be there. If, however, it's actually its own subplot, it must be relevant to the main plot. If transitions feel too forced, it's a possible sign that the subplots have no immediate relevance to the main plot. If you rework the story and the subplots to make them relevant, you'll find that transitions happen more naturally.
I hope that helps! Thank you for watching!
Hilary, I absolutely adore your channel and love nerding out about storytelling by watching your videos!! Really helps center my writing in my comic.
Thank you so much for your support! I'm delighted to encounter a fellow storytelling nerd! Good luck with your comic!
Thank you!
If you want to know everything there is about subplot and need an even deeper and longer example, watch the first two seasons of Twin Peaks. It's a clinic on subplot.
Yesss I was waiting for this!!!
YASS THE NEW VIDEO FROM THE WRITING GODNESS 🙏🙏🙏🙏
Please make a video on writing dialogues
Writing dialogue is one of the video topics in the most recent poll!
This definitely seems like a 'have a seat and take some notes' sort of episode.
Wow More writing wisdom, sign me up! Thank you!! Hope you’re having a wonderful 2025!
Thank you for watching! And thank you, I am. I hope you are, too!
@ Yes I am thank you! 😊
Thx for the vid, u explain things fairly well.
@The-Second-Story
Can I send you a scene that I have written today?
I love and really appreciate your content. Any advice on coming up with ideas and brainstorming?
That's such a hard topic to pin down! But I've been thinking for a while about making a video on this. Thank you very much for watching!
Came on TH-cam to look for a video to sleep to but I saw this and now I have no choice but to focus for the next 40 minutes lol.
Oh dear. Well... there's always coffee?
(Thank you for watching!)
This is excellent! Do you have any advice for writing subplots from the same POV character, i.e. without swapping POV?
Thank you! I think it would be best to view these two plotlines as still distinct. In Michael Clayton, for example, the subplot in which he was struggling with his failed restaurant was separate from anything having to do with his job. The scenes and mini-arcs were interwoven exactly as they would have been had they been two different characters. The main difference is that these transitions don't require as much work to be smooth, as the connective tissue is built in with the shared main character. I would advise you to think of them as distinct and treat their development and planning the same as any other subplot, making sure to make relevance always clear, but not to be as concerned about making the transitions smooth.
I hope that helps. Thanks for watching!
@@The-Second-Story That's really helpful! Thank you so much, I always learn so much from you. So excited for your upcoming videos! :)
In case one has multiple main characters, how do we approach the main plot?
Do you baptize one as the main plot and the rest of the main character plots turn into subplots? (And perhaps in the next book, you change it up?)
In cases of multiple main characters, there does need to be one who is the primary main character. Even if just by a little bit, even if the others are almost as prominent as that one, there can still just be one main character. The best ensemble movies do this by appointing one of the main characters as the foundation of the story; this is often subtle, but still very clear and deliberate (think, Danny Ocean). Hugely-populated fantasy novels that are well-balanced also have one of the characters who is the primary character.
There are very rare instances where this isn't quite the case. In the Narnia books, for example, (especially in The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe) the four children are handled almost as one character. Though occasionally one will be doing something on his own. Lewis was a skilled, natural storyteller, so he accomplished this with temporary subplots. Edmund had a small temporary subplot which he helmed while allying with the White Witch. When he rejoined the group and reconciled with his siblings, this essentially killed that subplot, once again making Edmund a part of the four-character-main-character. But that's harder to do without adopting the classical storytelling style, which is very uncommon these days.
I hope that makes sense. You are absolutely right, you do sort of just have to pick one to be the main character and that one then gets more prominence in the narrative and the other main characters serve that character and that plotline. This is almost incidental of course, as the group of characters likely have the same general plot path so this is a case where main plots and subplots are ALMOST overlapping. And you can absolutely change it for the next book if you want! But that's a style choice, and it's up to you entirely.
Thank you for watching!
@The-Second-Story Thanks for the detailed answer! This definitely clears things up ❤️
What with the subplots that, initially, seem far away from the main plot, but it all comes together by the end of second act/beginning of the third? There's no immediate therefore, but as a whole story, it weaves together well.
I'm sorry, I'm not exactly sure what you mean. But even when subplots are seemingly separate for a large part of the story, the events of each plotline are still connected. Immediate therefores, as I said, are not necessary for connecting separate plotlines. Loose or broad therefores are sufficient for connection. But some connection, even very loose connection, is always evident. Even if it's just the fact that they take place in the same city or at the same time, the author still takes pains to show connection. What you describe as "weaving together" is exactly that: connections that join the plotlines, that weave them together.
Awesome as always. I may need another session to digest all of it, but the key impressions I gained focus on pacing and relevance.
It's funny, I had a completely different idea of sub-plot. What are your thoughts on subplots within a single narrative? As an example, our MC has a subplot with their mother, the mailman, and the neighbor's dog. All progress outside or alongside the main narrative and have a way of weaving into something cohesive.
Or, would this simply be called, the plot?
Great, as always.
Subplots that are secondary plotline for the main character are still subplots. They should be handled in much the same way. There is the added benefit, however, of easier transitions. The plotlines all share the same main character which is built in connective tissue. But they still need to follow the same rules. There needs to be only one primary one, and the others have to be relevant to that plotline. The matter with the neighbor's dog has to be relevant to whatever the main plotline is. Otherwise it should probably be cut as it will cause a disruption in the balance of the story. There still need to be points of connection binding the plotlines together over and above the shared main character.
Thank you for watching!
Can your next video be on mini arcs? Not sure what that term means but seems useful. Thanks!
One of my first videos was about mini-arcs. I've actually put a link to that video in the description for this one if you're interested. Thank you for watching!
The king of subplots Eiichiro Oda in One Piece
That man is a true titan. I have no idea how he's still going?
Literally watching this video to write my op fanfic rn😅
Another good video! I actually hadn't known much about how subplots work, so this was very enlightening! (As per your other videos)
I noticed how you conclude the written blurbs of the mini-arcs at the mini-climax, which brings me to something I'm a bit confused on. Is the "end" part of the "beginning-climax-end" shape of the arc removable? As in, can the mini-arc just end at the climax, and abruptly shift to the next arc? It sometimes feels like the end of a mini-arc and the beginning of the next is sort of merged together to the point that I can't pinpoint where it exactly transitions. Or is the end of the mini-arc exactly the "therefore" itself? This is just a little confusion I had when it came to analyzing the pacing of stories, so I'd be happy for some clarification!
Also late happy new year's! I look forward to your next video! I could honestly go either way with conflict and dialogue, but I'm more curious about the latter
It can be removed, yes. You can reach the mini-climax and abruptly end the arc there. That works especially well for shocking developments. I don't usually write the end of the arc -- the part after the mini-climax -- at the first draft stage, because it's hard to know for sure how I'll need to wrap up the arc to flow into the next without actually writing the scene. The important thing I like to take note of is the mini-climax. The shift from the end of one mini-arc to the beginning of the next -- in the actual story -- is often almost seamless. Which is why the mini-climaxes are the best way to chart the arcs. Sometimes the transition from one arc to the next is very clear, sometimes it's not at all, especially the faster-paced that part of the story is. I hope that clarifies things a little! Thank you for watching and for your support. And a Happy New Year to you as well!
I guess the downhill slope kind of signifies the 'sequel' to the 'scene' of the uphill part. The part after the climax where the characters have a reaction to and contemplate what happened.
Ofcourse you could also move this to the next chapter, or howev3r you wanna structure it
Exactly! That part all comes down to how you want to write it or what that part of the story needs.
ok, but how would you do subplots with a single POV?
It's the exact same principles. It needs to be subordinate to the main character's main plot and it must serve it, or it should probably be cut. Therefore there should be noticeable connections between them. The only real difference is that transitions will be a lot easier to handle because the connective tissue of the shared main character is there. Otherwise, it's the same.
Thanks for watching!
My morning coffee mug has the phrase "Puppies before coffee". My puppies don't understand why I need such a blatantly obvious reminder.
The only question I've got is WHY are you not writing this story?!!! It's awesome!! Like, if not a book, at least a movie script. It's a good example, yes, but I think it'd be worth finishing too!
Also, great video. I'm enjoying it.
Next video on how to put a non linear story.
I think the best part of cutting a subplot is it a chance to create a parallel story to the first. For me it’s a forced spinoff if the subplot has enough going for it.
That's completely true! I've decided to turn one of the ones I cut into a novella. Which will make it easier to tell that plot anyway. Always a silver lining!
4:00 It seems to me that this is not always true. Sometimes it takes time to write the first act of a story in an interesting way. And while the author is preparing the pieces of the puzzle that will come together at the end of the first act, we need something to follow. In this case, you can start with a subplot, which can be followed and which will then be incorporated into the main plot. Only here it is important not to overdo it and not to concentrate all the viewer's/reader's attention on the subplot, otherwise the viewer's/reader's expectations will be betrayed. I.e. concentration of attention on the characters, the world, dialogues, and the subplot just does not let it all fall apart into separate scenes. I like a slow first act and a solid preparation for the second act.
great vid, also don't be sorry about the level of detail you go into, the main problem with a lot of writing videos is that most of them are too vague or have rules too rigid.
Thank you for this comment. It really helps to know that others find the details helpful. I worry sometimes that I overexplain things or that the demonstrations are boring. So thank you, and thanks for watching!
If the demo story was made into a novel i would read it!
Im in Australia and it gets cold enough in the house that your breath comes out foggy. Sympathies ♧◇♡♤
Thanks! Yeah, we get a burst of frigid cold a couple times a year. During which the heater seems to run almost constantly.
26:19 DUDE SPOILER!!!!!!
Lol
21:38 At first I heard ‘ableist’ and I thought that was an odd detail but ok.
I have an idea for a character so called "The Chosen One Archpriestess" I just want to make an angelic character with contradictive intentions, like making her control an entire western kingdom with her as a head of western church, making every kingdom as her puppet to hunt down every witches-like people in my story. I feel it's so difficult to make her as a real person and not a character
It is challenging to bring characters alive. But I think there are some considerations that can help with that. I have a video on character creation that you might find helpful. Good luck with your writing, and with your character!
hi to otto
All sorts of writers post advice videos on TH-cam, which is a great thing and very helpful. However, I personally don't need these, because I do whatever I want and no one can stop me.
Anyone paying to do your homework has way too much time and money. Critiques of actual WIPs would be a much better service to provide for everyone involved.
How about we cut out the cringey intros and get right to the topic at hand