How do you write a side story?

How do you write a side story?

Think Like a Pro

1. Ensure that your subplots play second fiddle. A subplot exists to support your main storyline but should never overpower it.
2. Give your subplots a narrative arc.
3. Write character-driven subplots.
4. Try a new POV.
5. Figure out how to connect the subplot and the main plot.
6. Ramp up the tension with a subplot.

How many side characters should a novel have?

A good rule of thumb might be: Include as many characters as needed to tell the story and evoke the proper style and scope—and no more. For intimate novels, this number might be as small as 2-5 secondary characters, and for broader stories, this number might be 20-30.

How do you write a prequel to a novel?

Some Dos and Don’ts for Writing a Prequel

1. Do: Make it a Story in its Own Right. Don’t: Simply Fill in the Gaps.
2. Do: Ensure the Story is Consistent. Don’t: Create Major Events Characters will Later “Forget”
3. Do: Enhance the Narrative. Don’t: Be an Exercise in Vague References.
4. Do: Have a Point to the Story.

How do you write a story plot with multiple lines?

Here’s a simple way to create multiple storylines:

1. Write each storyline as its own separate story—beginning, middle, and end—with (temporary) chapters.
2. Once you have ALL of your individual storylines written out, pick a color to represent each story, and print each one on its corresponding color of paper.

What is a parallel story?

Parallel storylines – also called parallel narratives or parallel plots – are story structures where the writer incorporates two or more separate stories. They’re usually linked by a common character, event, or theme.

How do you write a parallel story?

Tips for Writing Non-Converging Parallel Plotlines

1. Create linkage between the plots. Something must bind the plots.
2. Mirror the themes and metaphors. I did this in a few different ways.
3. Make key plot points correspond.
4. Use different but compatible goals for each storyline.

Why do people write prequels?

Readers want to know your characters and learn how they get from Point A to Point B. A Clean Tie-In to Your Novel. If you write a prequel, make sure it directs readers toward your novel. You want to leave readers wanting more from your characters and your story.

How do you start a story that engages the reader?

Ways to start a story that engage your reader. 1 Introduce readers to a memorable narrator-protagonist. 2 Begin with crucial memories. 3 Start with ambiguous action. 4 Lead with a purposeful prologue. 5 Open with the unexpected.

How do you make a good story?

7 Simple Ways to Make a Good Story Great 1. Go beyond the five senses. 2. Embrace idiosyncrasies. 3. Forget about being pretty. 4. Be true to your IQ. 5. Use your best material only when it has a purpose. 6. Make them laugh. 7. Make them cry.

What should be the opening line of a novel?

With your opening line in place, you’re ready to ground your story with a human element. That’s right — it’s time to bring some characters on-stage and let them move the story forward. Introducing characters right from the start helps you avoid one major novel-writing mistake: an overly descriptive, info-dumpy beginning.

How do you start a novel?

But if you want more than luck, read these tips for how to start a novel and avoid some frequent pitfalls! 1. Starting 5 or 10 pages before the beginning of the story This is the most common mistake I see in books I edit. The writer is settling into the story, giving information and backstory, rather than starting the actual story!