I've been reading lots of useful articles and blog entries from the pros lately, and some of the most entertaining and informative ones have been the what NOT to do articles (ways not to begin a novel, what not to mention in queries, etc.)
I thought it'd be interesting to address subplots, since that's a topic not addressed as often as other topics, and when it is, it tends to be in a vague manner. (Write subplots that move the main plot forward! Make them interesting! Um...duh?)
I'm asking this question as readers: what subplot elements do you try to stay away from, or find annoying/cliche?
I've been reading loads of YA urban fantasy, same genre as my WIP, the past couple months - both good and bad quality, to study what works and what doesn't.
My subplots do have a lot of common elements found in YA: romantic conflict-of-interests with main plot, family problems, etc. At the same time, there are a lot of subplots that I see a lot, but that I want to avoid in my book, simply because I found them to be cheesy and/or Mary Sue-ish. Certain subplots just seem a bit overdone to me as a reader. Of course, it depends on HOW it's executed, but still, certain things just seem to make people roll their eyes after a while.
For example: the subplot where 2 amazing and hot guys are both head over heels for the girl MC, and her biggest woe is choosing which one.
Or the subplot where her and her best friend both crush on the same person, and it's portrayed as the ultimate suspense.
So, my question is angled toward when you are the reader as opposed to the writer: what types of subplots make you feel wary or roll your eyes, if any?
This isn't intended to bash anyone who happens to include something listed. It doens't make their book bad. It's just that certain subplot elements are cliche and I'm curious what all of y'all are getting tired of.
I thought it'd be interesting to address subplots, since that's a topic not addressed as often as other topics, and when it is, it tends to be in a vague manner. (Write subplots that move the main plot forward! Make them interesting! Um...duh?)
I'm asking this question as readers: what subplot elements do you try to stay away from, or find annoying/cliche?
I've been reading loads of YA urban fantasy, same genre as my WIP, the past couple months - both good and bad quality, to study what works and what doesn't.
My subplots do have a lot of common elements found in YA: romantic conflict-of-interests with main plot, family problems, etc. At the same time, there are a lot of subplots that I see a lot, but that I want to avoid in my book, simply because I found them to be cheesy and/or Mary Sue-ish. Certain subplots just seem a bit overdone to me as a reader. Of course, it depends on HOW it's executed, but still, certain things just seem to make people roll their eyes after a while.
For example: the subplot where 2 amazing and hot guys are both head over heels for the girl MC, and her biggest woe is choosing which one.
Or the subplot where her and her best friend both crush on the same person, and it's portrayed as the ultimate suspense.
So, my question is angled toward when you are the reader as opposed to the writer: what types of subplots make you feel wary or roll your eyes, if any?
This isn't intended to bash anyone who happens to include something listed. It doens't make their book bad. It's just that certain subplot elements are cliche and I'm curious what all of y'all are getting tired of.
Last edited:
I constantly see this trope in real life--and besides, it's cute.
