Which do you prefer second, third or multiple?
When I first began, writing in first person POV was frowned upon. Many bloggers insisted it was a hallmark of a novice. This was frustrating as hell because I love writing in 1st POV.
Now I understand that’s not what determines you, as a writer. Each writer is unique as is their story. A good story stands out no matter the POV.
There are pros and cons to everything, even the chosen POV. However, good stories are good and the only thing (IMHO) that waves the red flag of a novice is bad editing.
Thanks to one of my favorite bloggers for sharing…
10 Advantages of Writing a Single-POV Story (What I Learned Writing Wayfarer) by
Why I like first person POV…
- Understanding who is narrating the story is simple. No flipping back and forth to refresh my memory on the who.
- The narrator’s journey gives a closer connection to the POV and story.
- Focus of the story, plot, and the theme are more direct.
- Subplots and supporting characters are directly connected to the narrator.
- Single POV calls for tighter writing. (I love writing flash.)
Bottom line there is no right or wrong POV. We all must be true to the story.
Tell me…
Which POV do you prefer? Why?
Have you tried your hand at the other POV’s?
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Jean's Writing 
Whatever the writer is most comfortable with.
I enjoy writing fantasy with the traditional large number of characters and love to get any number of POVs, even sometimes spoken in 1st person.
The challenge is, to make sure the narrative is smoothly signposted with who is speaking what and is thus easy on the reader.
(You don’t want to see the first draft)
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LOL, no way would I want you to see my first draft either. 🙂
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I don’t want to see my first draft either!….Those ‘What the heck was I thinking of there?’ interludes really sting! 😖
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LOL
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Reblogged this on Author Don Massenzio and commented:
Check out this post from Jean’s Writing Blog that asks: What do you think about first point of view?
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I love writing in 1st person POV. For my first two novels I used 3rd because it was more “acceptable.” But as I work on my 3rd novel, I’m using the first POV for one of my main characters (switching from 1st to 3rd every other chapter for the other main character). It’s challenging but fun. As you say, there is no right or wrong as long as the writing is good.
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Wow! That does sound challenging. But I’m glad to hear other writers like using 1st POV too.
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I don’t think the POV matters if it’s a great story. I loved To Kill A Mockingbird and The Messenger. Both were written first person.
My prefered POV is 3rd person limited. I like being able to get into other people’s minds and seeing things from their point of view. It has a downside as well. You have to be careful. I did have an agent tag me for head-hopping 🙂
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Right you are, the story is most important. Not sure if much can damage a good story.
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Have you read anything of J.P. Donleavey? I am a great fan but accept that it is not everyone’s cup of tea.
But the reason I bring his name up is that he wrote in the first person and the third person simultaneously – which sounds impossible. But it worked.
The protagonist, in this case, reports his own observations but includes himself in those observations as though disconnected from them.
Does this make sense?
Probably not.
I commend it nonetheless.
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No, I haven’t read any of his books. Sounds like a very talented writer to manage 1st and 3rd in one book. I’ll have to check him out. Thanks
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Not just in one book …. he does it in one paragraph. His best known works are ‘The Ginger Man’ and ‘A Fairy tale of New York’. https://youtu.be/phSpcmFvbXw
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Now that sounds very difficult. I’m gonna have to check him out.
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Not, as I say, everyone’s cup of tea. His heroes are normally vulgar misogynists …. though one cannot help be drawn to them and recognise their frailties.
There is a lot of pain in his work – and one cannot help but assume that it comes from personal experience as, to put it in his own words, ‘Writing is turning one’s worst moments into money’.
In terms of technique he makes it look easy – but that is the nature of talent and hard work.
Something from The Ginger Man ….
“The sun of Sunday morning up out of the sleepless sea from black Liverpool. Sitting on the rocks over the water with a jug of coffee. Down there along the harbor pier, trippers in bright colors. Sails moving out to sea. Young couples climbing the Balscaddoon Road to the top of Kilrock to search out grass and lie between the furze. A cold green sea breaking whitely along the granite coast. A day on which all things are born, like uncovered stars.”
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His writing is very lyrical. I can see why you are drawn to his technique. For me, I prefer to be entertained. Books filled with pain, sadness and introspection don’t do it for me. There is enough of than in the real world.
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I’ve always seen writing as a means of shining a light on life …. rather than provide an escape from it. I know others feel quite differently
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