HOW TO WRITE SUBPLOTS…and keep track of them without losing your mind
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 29 ก.ย. 2024
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Do you want to craft seamless, memorable subplots for your story? It's easier said than done, I know. Subplots can make or break a story... but how do you cleverly craft subplots that add more depth and emotion to your narrative while still keeping the focus anchored on the main character’s journey? That's what we're exploring in today's video: the science of subplots and the storytelling principles that make great subplots shine.
So if you want to write fantastic subplots, but you’re feeling kind of lost - like you just have a messy pile of ideas and you have no clue how to organize them or incorporate them into your story… THIS VIDEO IS FOR YOU.
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My name is Abbie Emmons I teach writers how to make their stories matter by harnessing the power and psychology of storytelling, transforming their ideas into a masterpiece, and creating a lifestyle that makes their author dreams come true.
Story isn’t about “what happens” - it’s about how what happens affects and transforms the characters. I believe that there is an exact science (a recipe, if you will) behind a perfect story. And if you know what ingredients you need, you can create your own perfect story with ease and confidence. That’s what we talk about every week on this channel - and if it’s something you’re into, be sure to subscribe and join this community!
I don’t know how to express my thanks. My country started a war and since then I’m stressed out all the time. Writing my novel and especially watching your videos helps me relax my mind. Thank you. A lot
Hope you’re alright and staying safe!!
We’re here for you! Hope you’re staying safe!
Stay safe zaika 👍
Stay safe my friend!
Stay safe and take care, my friend
Um. If I can critique this video a little.
Though I am hella interested in learning about all things storytelling, and I really enjoy your enthusiasm, could you maybe incorporate a 'list' system when you're talking about topics? Or maybe even examples for whatever it is you're talking about, so I could (and probably others can) get a grasp on the topic
I'd really like to keep watching your videos!
So I signed up for the class but after I gave all my info it said it was a patreon only event. Wish it had mentioned that from the start. I might still have gone forward becuase I enjoy your energy, but I hate being played with. I don't know...I still might in the future. But I wanted to let you know it felt dirty. Instead of saying 'if you want to watch, just sign up!' (indicating anyone can watch for the price of getting on your mailing list) I would have been prepared if you had been upfront and said, 'If you are a patreon member, sign in for the class!'
Hello, Abbie. I'd like to ask you to do a review of one of Ghibli's films. What is it about them that makes us want to watch them over and over again? What are the elements that keep them so interesting and fresh? I am thinking of one particular film called Howel's Moving Castle, which is based on the same-named novel. I must have seen the film at least 100 times. I also read the book, which is significantly different from the film. The characters, I believe, are the key element. What are your thoughts?
Hi Abbie!!! How are you? I can't find the link to save my spot!! It doen't appear below in the video for me! Can you reply the link to me, please?! Thanks!!! And you're awesome, you encourage me everyday to keep writing, and someday I will publish my story ;)
she start talking about it at 3:19
who CAN tell the subplot . .Can I use the subplot from the antagonist's perspective .can I use more than one subplot for the antagonist in different times and places..also,is it doable to make may subplots (or a combinaition of them )to show the antagonist' s internal conflict(s) to push him to their uttermost end of their outrage
How do I come up with my victims. How do I being them all together
Can a good story not need a subplot?
*ABSOLUTELY* but it won't have much depth. ♑️✍️🇦🇺🇳🇴
If you want to write good characters, you need to put yourself in the mindset of each of your characters you want to have depth regardless of whether or not he/she is the primary focus or what point of view your story is being told.
I just wanted to let everybody know that I’m finally working on a novel! I’m currently working on my characters, then I’ll be ready to outline and then write my first book!
Amazing!
Good luck :)
YAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Do your thing girl!
Awesome hope it goes well
Wow well done :D
As someone who loves stories and shows where the side characters are sometimes more interesting than the main character, I'm a bit nervous writing side characters that aren't passive, but also aren't so strong they outshine the character (tho it is tempting to do that) and I also want their subplots to be able to stand on their own but not more interesting than the main one!! Aaaaaaah
I have the exact same struggle 😂
That's my same problem RN. I have so many side characters that I feel, stand out more than the main character and I don't want that. Really need some tips on covering this topic.
Without losing my mind? It’s a bit late for that I’m afraid
I lost my mind when I decided to become a writer in the first place ✍️ 🤪
HAHA true 😉
amen to that man, real writers hate being writers 🤪🤙🤙🤙
Y E S
😂😂😂
This is great timing because I’m editing my first novel and a particular subplot, in my opinion, adds a lot of flair to the book but I’m not sure if the depth is there or if it’s too “out there”.
I accidentally created an MC whose main trait is they believe they have no traits, the love interest is literally being driven by wanting to be with the MC, and my main female character is driven by the mis belief that they’re weak and feminine. And that’s only 3/8 characters that develop.
I’ve been working on my book for about 6 months and I care about it deeply. Over the time of trying to get my first draft finished, the story has grown so much, and I’m starting to feel so overwhelmed. Sometimes it feels like this book will never be finished, or that it sounds like complete nonsense. But I’m trying my best to find and polish my little gem until it shines. I guess I just wanted to tell someone
Same. I told my mother about this, but she told me that's alright, and that I am just 11, of course I'll won't make something perfect. Everyone tells me that 'all that matters is that I put effort into it, and devote myself to something.' But I don't wanna do an 'enough' job, I wanna do something new. But it's too late for that, because I started reading Percy Jackson and Keeper of the Lost Cities when I was 3 quarter done with my book, and realized that some aspects of the other books were very similar
@@The_Lost_Jams its been 10 months, hows it going?
So at its core, this was basically an infomercial for that live training thing? I’m conflicted because, yes Patreon helps support the channel, but what about those who can’t pay? That’s part of your audience missing out on techniques or valuable advice. I honestly didn’t mind the TH-cam videos breaking things down. They were helpful. At least it provided a start to work from. I would have probably shown some of the organization of the subplots here in this video or mentioned some of the techniques, so that even those who miss out on the live training entirely can at least have somewhere to begin the organization of their own subplots.
I've read my outline after watching this video. I might me biased, but all of my subplots are happenning because my main heroes screwed something at the beginning, or started in the past and lead to protagonists current problems. Kind of correct, i think?
after 10 years I have finally a title for my book. I have like 3 characters essencially working together with the MC but their goals are usually pretty different where I feel like I want to focus after a major arc to some subplots. But after working on them I feel like each major arc turned into smaller arcs. So the first story arc I intended to be 7-14 chapters has material for an entire book and that's only taking place in 1 country with the other character just being introduced in a short country visit for the next story arc.
#AskAbbie hi .. I wanted to ask how to write an internal conflict for your protagonist's lover 🙈.. I mean for your second protagonist 🥰..so that they complete each other🥺.. for a love story🤤.. love your videos btw 😍Im writing my first story 🤧 with your great, amazing explaining 🥰love you 🙏🏻🤭💃🏾
I have work right now but I'm definitely coming back to this thanks! I didn't even know I needed to create a subplot for my characters!! Creating subplots for my side characters make so much sense too, I know what I need to work on right now and hopefully going back to the video about complex characters will also help me figure out what is a good way to show how complex I can make my characters without it becoming boring. I know I don't personally like reading filler background if I can get what they've been through indirectly. Look forward to watching the other half later!
I love how you call attention to side characters' internal lives! There's nothing better than a fleshed out side character that can stand on its own without outshining the protagonist!
Usually, you give such good info, but today I just felt like it was a, "there's this thing and it's cool, so buy my product." infomercial.
i don't watch this person's videos but i always want to improve my stories so i checked this video out and was pretty disappointed that i couldn't actually get a lot of information about it. basically all that was said was to make the characters likeable so that the storyline could be likeable, but that's just how all stories are supposed to be- and then a lot of talk about products i don't care about :/
The timing of this is perfect!! I literally just started a short film script I'm hoping to produce with some friends, and it's missing a subplot. Not anymore, hopefully!
this was a little dissappointing. I wish you had taken the time to put in more than one point into this video instead of just advertising your live workshop over and over again. for a 10 minute video, it felt like 3-5minutes were just you advertising yourself and I left the video having learned very little
i just watched ur videos on making side characters and subplots yesterday and now.... OMGGG u just posted a video about subplots, thank u abbieee!!!!!
wish it wasn't patron only
You're one of my favorites helping us become better writers on TH-cam. Cute bangs.
Literally all the big questions I have were not answered here but in the livestream. That’s bs. 😢
"Think about the last movie you watched or book you've read where--"
Me: I just finished re-reading 100 Days of Sunlight!!
"--the subplots started to lose your interest, okay?"
Me: Oop nvm
Hi. I'm not able to find the link. Can anyone help? Edit: okay found it. It's for patreon members only.
Thank you so much for this and I needed it. Could you do a video about ending friendships/romances?
It's really weird to me how the latest comments are from like 2 minutes ago
Hi dear Abbie, could you please update us if the Patreon site of the Kate and Abbie show is going to be updated? I am there as a Patreon, but nothing really happened there for over a year. I would still like to support the show, but I am also interested in this livestream which is connected to your Patreon site. As I cannot afford both, I might need to regroup and come over here, but I want to do this in a way that is respectful to both you and Kate. Would you have any advice or information for me regarding your future Patreon plans? Thank you 💖
No real information between the two promotions of your paid versions
You can do better even when the topic apparently is very small that you can only say something in about 5 min
Seriously. For the past couple of years she;s transformed into a constant hard sell model that I just can't stand. There's a difference between providing good info for ten minutes (which is a lot of time to pack in quality) and *then* taking half a minute to direct people to where they can learn even more, and offering nothing so that you can promo your stuff. If I was brand new to her channel, why would I even be interested in finding out what more she has to say when she didn't say anything in the first place? Keeping track of subplots is *in the video title* and she doesn't address it at ALL, it was clickbait to point towards paying for what you can find for free elsewhere on TH-cam.
I’ve been working on a book for almost two years now, and I keep having to re-outline everything over and over because I never actually watched videos on writing. Though I have Language Arts classes in school those don’t focus on story-driven writing, but instead, essays and a bunch of stuff that doesn't help at all and didn't help me learn anything.
You looking so mature in this hairstyle
why doesnt anyone talk about Abbie's hair? HER HAIR IS SO PRETTY
Did the dystopian playlist get taken down too??? I can't find it. It was perfect for my story.
What if my MC is detached and separated from people and only really connects to people after the second MC. So how do I make people care about my side characters? Also, I don't really have a story for my side characters yet or their goals.
When you say detached, do you mean the MC doesn't even know them, or simply doesn't care that deeply about the side characters ?
Well to answer your question my MC doesn't connect to people and he knows the side characters but does not care deeply.
@@C.DWoods so what came to me is this: have the side characters indirectly interact w/ the protagonist and have them emote through the second MC. Your character reminds me of Sherlock (Benedict Cumberbatch). He only interacts really w/ John Watson but we get a sense of who the other characters are because they talk mostly to John. Two examples: Greg Lestade and Mycroft Holmes.
Greg's Agenda/Impact is to provide cases for Sherlock. In a Study in Pink, after John asks him why he puts up with Sherlock, Greg tells him it's b/c 1) he's desperate and 2) he believes there's good in Sherlock and hope that one day the guy will see that.
Mycroft is the same way. He proves cases from time to time, but he also keeps an eye on Sherlock. He confided in John of some assassins he saw staling their flat but when John asked why won't Mycroft just tell Sherlock himself, it's clear that he knows that Sherlock will refuse the help, showing how estrange they are.
Bottom line is this: whether lessons you want your main character to learn that circles back to your main theme or themes, give them to your side characters. As far as goals, you may need write more to see where the story goes from there. Hope this helps! 👍😉
@@jacindaellison3363 Yes thank you so much. What you said about Sherlock and the others gave me an idea that I could use. So thank you again you really helped.
Have a great day or night depending on where you live.
@@C.DWoods happy to help! Happy writing.
Thank You!!! This is very helpful… I just started working on a novel and I am starting to outline. This channel motivates me to continue writing! Thank you Abbie :)
still confused about my book but I'll still watch this
this got me so excited and inspired to write because I realized all my side characters do have their own reasons to be in the story and it's all related to the mc's internal conflict in some way
I was in a rut and hadn't written in more than a month and you motivated me to continue with my story so thank you!!
As someone who's pretty much CONSTANTLY rp'ed for a year now, I'm doing my best to follow these kind of instructions on storytelling. It's very helpful and keeps the rp entertaining and worth continuing, thank you!
Constantly what now?
Uh... Constantly what now?
Thank you for your videos! They have really helped my grow and flush out my story! How do you tell whether or not your side character is a side character or a second protagonist?
My story doesn’t have a main plot, it has multiple plots and perspectives for different characters- cause’ it’s a drama.
Um, your hair is fabulous.
Hi Abbie, when are you gonna do a video on raising stakes? Your #AskAbbie episode was good but can you dedicate an entire video on how to raise the stakes because I'm confused
(Bobby’s Rabbit Hole)
At the same time, Bobby Nelson couldn't shake off the feeling that something was off about the whole situation at Ponch's apartment. He decided to do some investigating of his own to find out what really went down there. Bobby knew Ponch well and trusted his instincts, which was telling him that there was more to the story.
Bobby started to feel his energy running low so when he returned home, he went to his little cabinet in his bedroom to find his (stash) and took 2 of his “energy”{Quaaludes} pills from there for the night and started on his journey down the rabbit hole that he was about to create. He wrote out what he saw and what he didn’t see. He started to call the Central to find help with his investigation.
Is this a sub-plot?
And this is the summary of the story
Summary
A few months after the “Tight Fit” episode Ponch was asked to go undercover as a male model for the designer who made the “Barcelona Man” jeans. Ponch’s mom is In town, she fought with his dad, and she is scouting for new locations for her boss who wants to expand the company to the West Coast 4:33
Blow up Abbie Emmons’s and abhigel’s favourite vehicles until my bike comes back. Aaron’s too. If it still does arrive, Abbie’s dad’s phone.
I’m struggling with the beginning of my story and I was wondering if some of you people could help. I’ll sum it up:
My main character is set in the future of an post-apocalyptic environment. He’s locked in his room for protection by his father after a set of incidents surrounding his family. He wants to escape and see the world, but he doesn’t know how. (He’s a child in this current point, so I’m trying to make his expectation outside to be child-like and simple, which isn’t at all true). He does escape eventually, but he’s lost and confused..since he dosen’t know how to survive. Apologies for my horrible grammar and writing, but I could really use some help with the story starting!
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My gratitude! I wish I had known I must be on 15$ tier to be able to watch it... That is what Patreon said. Sorry, but what paying 7$ month gives me then? In any case, I am very grateful for ur videos...
There is a book series I wont name, but the subplots culd have easily been the mc, and the protagonist should have been the subplot even though the story was about her family tree.
This vid SAVED my WIP book🎉thx so much
How to decide which kinds of characters we should never use in a particular genre? Like my story is based on child trafficking and MC's best friend is a psychopath, but a positive character. He is a major character. So, I'm not sure if to use a psychopath or another character type.
YES! Perfect timing!!! Thank youuuu!!
My case is more "I don't have ideas for subplot, but I feel like I need one in my story" Are there any videos about that?
Seriously thank you for making everything so engaging.
I love your tips and tutorials on writing! I recently had 100 days of sunlight come into the mailbox and wow! Halfway into the book and the only reason I tore my eyes off it was bc I got a notif for this vid! Keep it up ^^
Is it okay to suddenly include a new pov from a side character? Also, how many subplots are too many?
Find out who told you to keep stopping me from reading freely after 2 years of profound sorrow over not being able to do so. Also, find out who is stopping me from looking at the mirror and enjoying my face, after 2 years of seeing a dying man from it.
Someone once told me that sub-plots don't actually exist - and then didn't explain at all. Anyone???
Are you guys aware that putting your voice in, hampers my ability to read and understand.
4:00
Omg thanks a bunch Abbie! Been working on my plot for camp nano and I needed this haha. Also, I love the new do!
As someone outlining a novel right now, I'm just going through your preptober series as an outlining tutorial and working my way through your other videos as I need them! Thank you so much for running this channel and teaching me, and so many other writers, how to write! Over the past year or so I've binged pretty much all your videos multiple times and it's helped me so much! I'm writing my first novel right now and have you to thank!
romances are the worst for horrifying subplots!!
I started a plot line document and it has helped so much!!!
This draft i wrote about half a year ago - its my first finished 1 draft ever. But the problem is then, i thought, subplot is just some other characters inner conflict. So when the mc would get close to a character and discover their personality and think they know them, they would in some way tell her how they really are. For example, there are these twins and then one gets hurt at the end of story, the other one super overreacts. She was always very energetic and different but only there we get to see why. What do you think about that? Should i delete that, make new subplots? Or turn that into subplots in some kind of way? Or delete that, or is it okay like that?
even as a guy I am so jealous of your fantastic hair in every video
Exactly... Exactly... I keep telling to my writers friends to study their plots and that subplots are important 🙃
i love your vids . thank you so much for helping us with making our stories amazing
Thank you so much for this video 🙏🏼♡
I miss you 😢
Do videos on this channel work for screenwriters?
Neil Gaiman will consult the girls.
Any advice about subplots
Prannoy Roy gets what he asks for.
Tsugumi is the minister of safety.
Yaking, self promoting, introducing the video for 3:20 is one third the total length. Please get to the point a little faster.
Can you please do a case study video on the most recent Resident Evil live action movie?
Great video.👍 Could you please make more story case study videos ?
Hello Abbie. Thankyou for the video. I wanted to recommend something. If you have time, please check out Arcane. League of legends made by riot.
It's sci-fi? Dysoptian for sure. I stand to be corrected.
It's currently on trend. This story had me hooked from beginning till the end and I am desperately waiting for the next season.
The subplots merged so beautifully. I can fan girl all day long but to summarize it all. This show is amazing.
Give it a try sometime.(if you haven't checked it out) I hope you like it.
Thankyou for everything.
3:35 the video starts
Ana is hired.
thank you Abbie!
Hair is gorgeous Abbie 💙💙💙
What your favourite anime, cause I am an anime nerd/otaku, now interested in making a manga/story.
Same.
@@momo-mm2zs wowo are you too, just asking what kind of genre not your topic and hook of the story
Hurt.
Undo.
Another thought on subplots in a work with an ensemble cast:
Let each of your characters have a subplot they can star in. Or if possible, tie them together. Example in my WIP:
- Main plot: thief 1 and thief 2 find their heist going awry when they coincidentally stumble upon an assassination plot against the crown prince. As things go right sideways, they end up traveling with the crown prince and pursued by both the assassins and a particularly talented guard (who had the wrong idea about them).
- Subplot 1: the guard pursuing them, then teaming up with them. But with a lot of drama, since thief 1 is his ex.
- Subplot 2: love triangle between thief 1, thief 2, and the guard
- Subplot 3: thief 1's grief and survivor's guilt over his whole family dying
- Subplot 4: the guard's relationship with the crown prince - how he's substituted the crown prince for his dead sister and displaced affection.
- Subplot 5: the crown prince's grief for his living-but-mentally-gone father. And the trauma of an emotionally abusive caregiver.
- Subplot 6: thief 2's complicated past and how her previous failings cost her the first found family she had, anxiety about/overcompensating for them, and the ways they might come back to haunt her. Basically, if we look at a recurring theme of ways to lose family, this is loss by being disowned.
Subplots 1, 2, and 4 tie together subsets of the cast, creating additional webs of interaction. While subplots 3-6 are unified by a theme of grief and the different ways to lose someone.
I dont know if you're at all into gaming but THE best representation of subplots that actually matter is in the Witcher 3. Pay that game a visit if you'd like
I wasn't expecting the chick from stranger things give me so many good tips to my screenplay
Thanks!
I was just thinking about adding subplots into my story. How convenient that this came across my dash
I'm very excited because I've been watching your videos for the longest time always wishing I was working on a novel. Finally, this year I've decided on starting my first novel :D So this is the first time I can watch your videos as an actual writer.
It says the live training is a Patreon-exclusive video, so does that mean it costs money? (Don't mind, since TH-cam can only produce so much, but just wondering) :)
I need a little help I have about 8 story ideas that I came up with but I can't seem to write any of them, I have character outlines and a few scenes I would like to add and I tried outlining all eight but none of them seem right and I don't know what to do(I know this might be sound a little stupid)
Still editing the third draft of my superhero novel which has multiple major subplots. Now that you mention it, it seems like I did SOMETHING right, as most of the subplots deal with side characters. MC's friend bugging him to join him in his quest to stop the production of a certain drug within the city (becoming a superhero in the process). The MC's mother needing his help to kick her drug habit. And, last but not least, the MC gaining the confidence (through fighting crime) to ask his crush to prom. (There are more, but those are the major ones.)
Thank you for this Abbie you are amazing, question, can you make a video about how many characters or main characters a book is allowed to have? I have read so many articles about this subject on Google, but not many of them go deep into this subject.
Abbie is such a talent! Thank you dear Abbie! Love 'n Light best & cheers, Sean