Multi-Directional

July 23, 2022

Sometimes a book has too much going on. It’s not just too many people. It’s too much activity. The reader is trying to follow the plot, but other stories jump in the

way. Too many subplots can put the reader in a fog.

For example, Mrs. Jones is doing her best to survive the recent death of her husband. She does her best to console and encourage her teen son and daughter. Now, that all relates. It’s okay for the author to write about different members of the family and how they cope with the death of Dad. Adding a subplot of the financial difficulties of the grocery store where the son works, plus the daughter’s suspicion that one of her teachers is on drugs, can overwhelm the reader. There are too many things to keep track of, even if all the subplots turn out to be related in the end. Ever hear the expression, “Keep the main thing the main thing”? Too many subplots can detract from the focus of the book.

The longer the book, the more subplots that can be added. Most of my books are in the 45,000 word range, which should be able to support one or maybe two subplots.

In my latest book, Gabriel, I have as it’s main plot Leon Hunt looking for meaning in life after the death of his wife of fifty-eight years. There is a subplot, that follows the salvation of Nicole and her family. If I had also spent time talking about the new Bible study group Megan started, it would have been too big a distraction. That’s why I didn’t allow Leon to join that group. (You’ll understand when you read the book!)

Life can get complicated! Matthew 6 reminds us not to worry about every little aspect in life. Verse 33 simplifies it: Seek God first, and watch the rest fall into place. Keep the main thing the main thing!