How to make writing in first-person easier

Published on by Jean M. Cogdell

Do you struggle with first-person narratives?

I do. Even though it’s my favorite point of view.

I love writing, and reading, first-person point of view stories. But getting it right can be a struggle. I was thrilled to read a recent post on writing techniques from Bookfox. 

Writing in First Person: 4 Tricks and 6 Pitfalls

The article breaks down the simple do’s and don’ts that make writing in first-person simpler and easier. And reminded me, there are some wonderful, famous authors who wrote in first-person. In addition to thousands of classic works of literature. Selecting first-person POV need not be a hindrance to good writing.

How these writing techniques clicked for me.

  • To find a character’s voice, give them attitude.
  • Do not let the narrator be dull. Don’t want to put your reader to sleep.
  • Showcase your character’s blind spot. We all have them and so should a fictional character.
  • Decide as an author how much your reader can trust your character. Pathological liar or only tells little white lies.
  • Direct the attention on to another character. The narrator has the power to showcase other characters.
  • Make the narrator’s faults interesting.
  • Don’t trap the reader with a one-sided conversation.
  • Give good strong supporting characters for your narrator.
  • Remember writing in first-person is like acting. Leave your personality at home and embrace the fictional character.
  • Avoid filter words. We all know about those.
  • Create sentences that imply the word “I.” It’s easy to overuse the I.
  • Don’t get carried away with monologues and introspection. A little goes a long way.
  • Make obstacles for the narrator, this will encourage you to be more creative.

In addition to several good tips and tricks, the article also explains the different types and techniques for writing in first-person. There is also a cool instructional video.

Okay, now I want to know…

Which POV do you prefer?

Why do you prefer to write in this POV?

Do you enjoy reading books in all POV? 

 

Do click and read more in-depth.

Writing in First Person: 4 Tricks and 6 Pitfalls

 

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27 thoughts on “How to make writing in first-person easier”

  2. Pingback: Friday Roundup – 17th August | Stevie Turner

  7. Remember. First person narrators are unreliable. Give us reason to doubt their account.

    1P narrators’ points of view are limited. They cannot report what they cannot see or hear. So how do they learn the information they didn’t witness?

    The worst vehicle for this is long dialogue from another character explaining events to the narrator. Keep third-hand revelations as brief as possible.

    “Jenny’s been seeing Bob.”
    “You saw them together?”
    “Sally did.”

    Reblogged on Wind Eggs (https://wp.me/p6PeB7-qd)

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  8. Pingback: How to make writing in first-person easier – Wind Eggs

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