In what POV do you write?
Which do you prefer, 1st, 2nd or 3rd?
I find that most of the time I gravitate toward 1st, especially when writing children’s books. But sometimes I let the character pick.
Sound crazy? Sometimes I think so. But if I start out in one POV and it doesn’t flow, gets difficult, I change to another. This gives me a different perspective. Let’s me see my characters from a different angle. Often times, my first instinct was right and I go back to the original POV and see what stopped the action. Usually, it wasn’t the POV it was something else that needed fixing.
Doing this exercise helps me see what needs adjusting. Where I went off the rails. I’m not saying one is better than the other because I write in both. To me, the story and the characters determine which POV I use.
What I like/dislike about 1st and 3rd POV:
- I like the intimacy of 1st.
- This can be a two/edged sword.
- The objectivity of 3rd.
- Not into the omnipresence/God-like view.
- Freedom of being all knowing in 3rd.
- The responsibility of being all knowing.
So I guess that means there is no right or wrong point of view. But how to decide? Me, I let my characters show the way.
Do you think a writer should stick to one POV in all of their stories?
How do you decide which POV to use?
Want to know more about Point of View? Click on the links below.
I love comments, so tell me what you think about POVs.
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Jean's Writing 
Reblogged this on The Owl Lady.
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Reblogged this on Kim's Author Support Blog.
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I’m working on a revision because of this problem. I wrote the first draft in first-person. Now, I’m rewriting it in third-person. My third-person version will allow the reader to know the thoughts of any character who has a scene as the main character. I haven’t decided which way is better yet.
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I do that sometimes just to get a different perspective.
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Reblogged this on Don Massenzio's Blog and commented:
Here’s a great post from Jean’s Writing blog on choosing a POV when writing.
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I like first and third and it depends on the character. I find second awkward unless it’s a blog post, and even then use it sparingly.
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I’ve never gotten the grasp of 2nd. But like you I let the characters dictate 1st or 3rd.
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I prefer third person when I’m writing or reading. It allows me to get into all of my main characters heads at one time or another. With all point of views, I feel like I get the whole story.
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Good point. But some writers head-hop too much in 3rd person. That bugs me.
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Yeah that is a danger, especially if you’re a new writer. I had my share of critiques pointing out head hopping.
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I almost always write in the third person. Liked your post. Thanks!
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Thanks! Have you ever tried to write in 1st? Just curious.
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I tend to lean to first person for the most part but sometimes add third person pieces from other characters. Great post.
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Me too. 1st seems to come more natural to me.
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