> I don't think I could disagree more. "Padding" is a bad bad bad bad idea. Every single word you write should have a purpose in the broad scope of things. That this is done does not mean it's a good idea. I find it very annoying when authors meander into irrelevant subplots. Every character and every subplot should have a definitive purpose in the grand scheme of things, and if it doesn't have any better purpose than to stretch the story, out it should go.

I think the only exceptions to this would be biographies, autobiographies, and historical accounts. Those works usually do have subplots that appear to be mere padding, but that's how real, every day life is. If I were to write an account of my life, it would have a LOT of subplots, simply because I lead this very interesting, haphazard life (as do most of us).

This said, subplots can--and should--still serve a purpose within the story. The subplots might not relate directly to the main plot or to the conclusion, but they should generally tie into the theme of the story. Let's see if I can come up with two examples.

1. I'm writing a short story about a girl named L who happened upon RinkWorks one day. The climax comes when she gets to meet all of her new friends at the RinkUnion. (Hey! No laughing at my plot! I've been editing bad articles written by new reporters all evening.) Along the way to the climax I need some "padding," so I stop to tell a rambling story about how L moved, and another one about her new job. Then I get to the end, where L goes to the RinkUnion and lives happily ever after.

2. Same story as above, but with one difference: I make the "padding" tie into the rest of the story, and maybe I try to have a general theme running throughout. When including the subplot of L moving, I spend less time on the details and more time on the importance of L's computer. I could make sure to include how important it was that she have Internet access where she moved so that she could get online and see her RinkFriends. Meanwhile, I'm focusing on the theme of friendship, so that works out when I get to the subplot of L's new job. I make sure to include the point that L's RinkFriends are excited about her job, and how much it pleases her that she has found such wonderful friends. (Yes, I know, it sounds mushy. Don't forget that my brain is mildly fried right now.) So then, when I get to the conclusion where L lives happily ever after, I make sure to credit her RinkFriends for adding to the happiness.

I don't know if my example worked at all, but my point was that, while "padding" in itself is not a good idea, "padding" that serves a purpose IS a good idea.

Ell"Fried noodle"myruh