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?