One thing that happens when you return to a manuscript after a few weeks’ absence is that you see problems you never noticed before. In my case, I have too many subplots. At least one will have to go.
In case you don’t know what I’m talking about, in a mystery, the main plot is the crime and the solving of it. What happens in the protagonist’s life while they are working on the crime is the subplot. The idea is that the drama of the subplot will rise and fall with the main plot and everything will wrap up in the end. When I look back at some of my books, the subplots are clear. In Etiquette and Murder one subplot was Frances bringing her sister out to London society. The other was Frances learning to stand on her own two feet. In Mischief and Murder Frances struggles with trusting George with her heart and the other is George coming clean about his past. The subplot isn’t always about the main character.
In looking back, I have no recollection of actually planning these subplots. Maybe I did, but I think they just evolved from the main plot and the interactions the characters had with each other. I’m sure with some of my later books, I did have a plan for the subplots. But you know what they say about plans. In the book I’m editing now, I had a solid idea for two subplots. I was able to weave one of them through the main story almost effortlessly. The other one practically required a whip and chair. I had to push and shove it into the story and that is exactly how it feels when I read it. I’ve tried to make it smoother, but it has to go! The sad part is that it has one of the best lines in the book. Sigh!
On the bright side, another subplot has appeared to take its place. Between drafts I did some additional research on one of my secondary characters, one of Edward VII’s sisters. Understanding more about her background made me realize she could help George’s ward, Lissette, who is getting over the death of her mother and moving from France to England. It fits beautifully with the main plot. After nine books, I’m still learning that you have to trust what works. Sometimes that means killing your darlings (But it’s such a good line!!) and being open to change.