Feeling tangled in too many storylines? Wondering if your subplot is helping—or hurting—your novel? You’re not alone.Want to know what makes a good writer great? Tune into our writing podcast for authors, where we explore plot structure tips, how to structure a story plot, and book editing hacks. This week’s focus: plot threads and subplots. In this week’s episode of the Story Savvy series, developmental editor Rebecca Hartwell [hartboundediting.com] and aspiring fantasy author Agnes Wolfe [authorsalcove.com] unravel the confusion around subplots vs. plot threads. You’ll learn how to identify your main plot, what subplots are worth keeping, and how to revise your story so it most satisfies your reader. If you've ever forgotten to tie up a subplot, or tried to juggle too many plotlines and lost your readers along the way—this one's for you.This episode covers:How to figure out which plot is your novel’s backbone–main plotThe difference between plot threads and subplotsWhy less (subplots) is sometimes moreHow to check if a subplot is actually landing with your audienceWhen a subplot might need to be cut altogetherWhether you're editing your manuscript or plotting your next draft, this episode will give you tools to create tighter, more powerful fiction—without sacrificing depth.Recommended Resources:Need a Developmental Editor? Hart Bound EditingAuthor’ Alcove Membership: http://authrosalcove.comFantasy Book Giveaway: AuthorsAlcove.orgChapters[00:00] Intro[01:11] Understanding Main Plots vs. Subplots[04:32] The Importance of Knowing Your Primary Plot[06:04] Defining Plot Threads and Subplots[09:05] Balancing Subplots: Too Many or Too Few?[11:00] Evaluating Subplots During Revision[14:12] Connecting Subplots to the Main Plot[16:05] Common Mistakes in Subplot Integration[20:33] Wrapping Up Subplots, Is It a Must?

Rebecca Hartwell, developmental editor, continues with the story savvy series as she tackles how to spot plot holes and character inconsistencies. To help you turn your good story into a great one, learn about editing fantasy novels through writing strong plots and fixing story problems in this week’s episode, Episode 19 of 52-Week Story Savvy.

In this episode, editor Rebecca Hartwell [hartboundediting.com] and guest host sla Elrick [suemillsauthor.com], author of contemporary romance of Whispers of New England,standing in for Agnes Wolfe [authorsalcove.com] work through how to identify common pitfalls that lead to plot holes, contradictions, and character inconsistencies. They also cover how to use fresh eyes and feedback effectively without compromising your creative vision.

You’ll learn techniques to:

Detect inconsistencies and contradictions like a new reader would

Repair plot holes without derailing the story

Maintain clear and consistent character goals and backstories

Seed character growth naturally to avoid sudden shifts

Use detailed character sheets to prevent errors

Whether you’re a first-time novelist or an experienced writer polishing your latest draft, this episode offers actionable strategies to keep your story coherent, believable, and engaging for your audience.

In This Episode:

Identifying and addressing plot holes

Evaluating reader feedback effectively

Fixing character inconsistencies

Balancing complexity with clarity

Planning plot repairs without creating new issues

Using fresh techniques to strengthen story logic

Recommended Resources:

Hartbound Editing Services – [https://hartboundediting.com]

Authors’ Alcove Membership Community – [http://authorsalcove.com]

Book Giveaway – [http://authorsalcove.org]

[00:00] Introduction

[01:16] Guest Spotlight: Sue Mills

[03:17] What Are Plot Holes?

[06:11] Solving Significant Plot Issues

[09:04] Handling Reader Critiques

[11:51] Weighing Plot Fixes and Story Impact

[12:30] Methods for Repairing Plot Gaps

[14:54] Spotting Character Inconsistencies

[18:49] Addressing Character Feedback

[22:10] Typical Character Continuity Mistakes

[26:52] Character Development vs. Out-of-Character Moments

[29:09] Shapeshifting Characters and Unexpected Twists

Want plot development tips such as how to build tension in a scene, conflict escalation in stories, and how to build character-driven conflict? Listen as Rebecca Hartwell, developmental editor of Hartbound Editing, shares exactly what you need to make your good story into a great one in episode 18 of 52-Week Story Savvy Self-Editing Series

This week, editor Rebecca Hartwell [hartboundediting.com] teams up with Guest host Lindsey Luther [lyndseyluther.com] , author of speculative fiction fantasy book - Greencloack (filling in for aspiring author Agnes Wolfe [authorsalcove.com]) to tackle the essential craft of building character-driven plots that feel inevitable, yet surprising. Together, they unpack why well-motivated characters and escalating conflict are the keys to keeping your narrative taut and emotionally charged.

Rebecca Hartwell explains how to:

• Craft character decisions that naturally propel the plot forward.

• Align character goals with theme and genre expectations.

• Introduce obstacles that reveal character growth, not just add drama.

They also explore how to layer internal and external stakes so that every scene matters, and why pacing is about more than just “action.” You’ll get practical tips for revising passive scenes, enriching your midpoint, and making sure your climax delivers both a payoff and a punch.

If you’re struggling with meandering plots or flat character arcs, this episode will give you the tools to restructure and reinvigorate your story.

In This Episode:

• What Story Intensity Really Means

• Finding the Right Intensity for Your Genre & Audience

• Easy Ways to Dial Intensity Up (or Down)

• Why Your Descriptions Can Make or Break Intensity

• Matching Emotional Feels with Physical Action

• How to Let Intensity Flow Naturally

• Pacing vs. Intensity — Making Them Dance Together

• Tips for Keeping Your Intensity Fresh and Varied

• Boosting (or Soothing) Intensity Without Raising the Stakes

Recommended Resources:Hartbound Editing Services – [https://hartboundediting.com]Authors’ Alcove Membership Community – [http://authorsalcove.com]Book Giveaway – [http://authorsalcove.org]Story Grid – https://storygrid.comSave the Cat – https://savethecat.com

[00:00] Intro[01:00] What Story Intensity Really Means

[02:22] Finding the Right Intensity for Your Genre & Audience

[05:00] Easy Ways to Dial Intensity Up (or Down)

[08:40] Why Your Descriptions Can Make or Break Intensity

[10:40] Matching Emotional Feels with Physical Action

[12:12] How to Let Intensity Flow Naturally

[15:52] Pacing vs. Intensity — Making Them Dance Together

[17:40] Tips for Keeping Your Intensity Fresh and Varied

[21:50] Boosting (or Soothing) Intensity Without Raising the Stakes