Subtleties of plot — Nov. 17, 2025

Pelicans at Moss Landing Marina, CA

“Writing is the painting of the voice.” – Voltaire

Watching thrillers on TV that involve repeated brushes with death make me long for subtleties of plot. After all, it’s the little things in life that make us happy or sad. It’s the little things that can cause profound transformations, for better or for worse.

I had a teacher in high school who changed my way of understanding the world. It was a cold December day up north in British Columbia and I was getting ready to walk home in the dwindling afternoon light. “Can I talk to you for a moment?” he said just before I got to the door.

I turned back to the emptying classroom with its rows of desks and fluorescent lighting. At his desk, my teacher pulled out an essay I’d handed in about religion. Running his finger along my words on the lined paper he asked for some kind of evidence or explanation to back up my opinions. He described opposing points of view adhered to by millions of people worldwide that I might consider.

Nothing was ever the same after that. He’d opened a door on my narrow field of vision. There was no blood, no gunfire, no poison. Nobody died. But for me, everything changed.

So writers, when you’re looking to add some drama, remember subtleties run deep. That applies to subtleties of plot, of character and of place. They add depth and texture that can resonate beyond an alien spaceship blowing up the universe.

But okay, I get it. If you’re looking for the pure unbridled bloodrush of suspense, that’s different. Stay tuned for more on that.

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