How do you revise and edit your subplots and red herrings to make them more coherent and engaging?

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Subplots and red herrings are common devices in fiction writing, especially in genres like mystery, thriller, and fantasy. They can add depth, suspense, and complexity to your main plot, but they can also create confusion, inconsistency, and frustration for your readers if they are not handled well. How do you revise and edit your subplots and red herrings to make them more coherent and engaging? Here are some tips to help you.

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1 Identify your subplots and red herrings

The first step is to clearly define what are your subplots and red herrings, and how they relate to your main plot. A subplot is a secondary plot that supports or contrasts with your main plot, and usually involves a different set of characters, themes, or locations. A red herring is a false clue or misleading information that distracts your readers from the true solution or outcome of your main plot. Make a list of your subplots and red herrings, and identify their purpose, function, and connection to your main plot.

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John Peyton Cooke

Author and Strategic Leader in Scientific & Medical Communications
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For the ultimate reader, it depends what type of reader they are. I'm afraid I fall in the category of reader who loves subplots, red herrings, lengthy digressions, and shaggy-dog stories. One of my most favorite novels of all time is MELMOTH THE WANDERER by Charles Robert Maturin, which is almost nothing but all of the above. I also thoroughly enjoyed Umberto Eco's FOUCAULT'S PENDULUM, which goes absolutely nowhere most of the time and yet remains endlessly fascinating. If either of those novels had fallen into the hands of a "professional editor" insisting they tighten them up, both books would have been grievously ruined. You might also say the same about DON QUIXOTE, which is one of my other favorite novels.

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Martha Jette
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If you overload the story with too many subplots and/or red herrings it can only cause confusion and might result in the reader turning away, and stop reading the piece completely. Too many subplots could be seen as a smart way to write the piece but no one wants to deal with such a thing. Same goes with red herrings. You would likely get a headache just trying to read it. Better to keep the story relatively simple with just a few kinks in the road along the way to9 keep it interesting.

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2 Check for relevance and balance

The next step is to evaluate how relevant and balanced your subplots and red herrings are. A relevant subplot or red herring should enhance your main plot, not detract from it. It should provide some insight, tension, or development to your main characters, themes, or conflicts. A balanced subplot or red herring should not overwhelm or overshadow your main plot, nor should it be too insignificant or inconsequential. It should have a clear beginning, middle, and end, and a satisfying resolution or payoff. Check for any subplots or red herrings that are too long, too short, too many, too few, or too unrelated to your main plot, and adjust them accordingly.

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Martha Jette
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I find the second piece is one and the same as the first, so l am not going to repeat the items again. The wording is the same but different.

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3 Review for consistency and clarity

The third step is to review how consistent and clear your subplots and red herrings are. A consistent subplot or red herring should follow the logic, rules, and tone of your main plot, and not contradict or confuse it. It should also be consistent with the characterisation, motivation, and behaviour of your characters involved in it. A clear subplot or red herring should be easy to follow and understand for your readers, and not leave them with unanswered questions or loose ends. It should also be signposted and foreshadowed appropriately, and not come out of nowhere or rely on coincidence or luck. Review for any subplots or red herrings that are illogical, contradictory, confusing, or unclear, and fix them accordingly.

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Martha Jette
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The subplot and red herrings should be consistent with the characterization, motivation, and behavior of the story, logic, and behavior of the characters. Don't leave extra pieces dangling or too many or few leaving little sense. Remember that the end result must be logical with full meaning and clearness. don't

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4 Refine for impact and interest

The final step is to refine how impactful and interesting your subplots and red herrings are. An impactful subplot or red herring should have some emotional, thematic, or narrative weight to your main plot, and not be irrelevant or forgettable. It should also have some consequences or implications for your main characters, themes, or conflicts. An interesting subplot or red herring should engage your readers' curiosity, attention, and imagination, and not bore them or annoy them. It should also have some twists, surprises, or revelations that keep your readers guessing and invested in your main plot. Refine for any subplots or red herrings that are bland, predictable, or unoriginal, and spice them up accordingly.

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Martha Jette
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You can freely add emotionality and unforgettable feeling to touch the reader's soul, but not to use them for only that reason. There must be a significant reason to include them. Other things to use for the reader's interest include unexpected turns or events only when they are relevant and make sense with regard to the characters involved. Most importantly, review the piece more than once to be sure the story doesn't get away from the original intent or is too dull in the end. If the tale seems too predictable or mundane, throw in something completely unexpected. However, if the tone gets way out of line, bring down the language, plot or events.

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5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Martha Jette
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One last thought that should be examined is the 'unexpected twist or turn.' Such events actually occur whether good or bad in life so it would happen now or then.

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How do you revise and edit your subplots and red herrings to make them more coherent and engaging?

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1 Identify your subplots and red herrings

2 Check for relevance and balance

3 Review for consistency and clarity

4 Refine for impact and interest

5 Here’s what else to consider

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