FifthView
Vala
>the best way to pace subplots is to stick them in when you need a break from the main plot.
Which begs the question of how one knows the main plot needs a break. I mean, I could argue that if the plot needs a break, it's the plot that needs fixing, not that it needs a subplot. IMO, the subplot must contribute to the main plot. So it comes in when it is needed in order to *advance* the main plot.
Then again, I'm still working on my first novel, so whadoiknow?
I wonder, would you say there's a difference between a "subplot" and what are commonly called "side quests?"