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I'm not sure if many readers focus on this when they indulge in a book or not. But POV from your characters is one of the main focuses of any writers manuscript.
Most of my readers hear me talk regularly about how much I love to read first person books, but sometimes I feel some people don't quite understand what that means. It becomes too technical and we all know that technical can sometimes mean BORING. So I'm here to lay it out for ya in a less complex way... while also explaining my choices in writing. There are 5 Choices to make as to HOW you'll write your story or read one... 3rd Person Variations: Third-Person Objective:This point of view uses the "he/she/it". However, the story is reported by a neutral, impersonal observer/narrator. They're most on the sidelines and explaining to you what happens as it does. It's similar IMO, to a recorder during a trial. They merely impart facts. Third-Person Omniscient:This point of view uses the "he/she/it". The all-knowing narrator/or God--if you will... who not only reports the facts from an observers POV but may also interpret events and relay the thoughts and feelings of Any Character at Any Time. They're not only objectively viewing but they are also internally viewing each characters mindset and actions and narrating at will. Third-Person Limited (or Closed): This point of view uses the "he/she/it" and the narrator reports the facts and also interprets events and feelings from the perspective of a SINGLE character. Sometimes it's broken into sections of one character to the next, but the focus is merely on one person at a time without the influence of surrounding characters internal thoughts. (This is the most personal 3rd person writing- since I feel it's similar to 1st person except the narrator doesn't use 'I')-- Example: Masters of the Shadowlands series- By Cherise Sinclair. 2nd Person POV: This is the least common in fictional works, since it focuses on using "You" as it's primary focus. It's speaking directly to the reader, which is most often used in instructional writing and self-help books. 1st Person POV: First person is when the main character(s) tells you their story. These stories use "I" narration from one person and are often the most internally personal stories you can read. However, as reader, you can only experience the story through the characters eyes and you won't know anything about people or events that this character hasn't personally experienced first hand. While you are able to be invested in the story from the single Character POV- you also miss out on other characters internal dialog, so this can leave the readers perspective skewed in one direction. Now that I've thrown a bunch of mumbo jumbo at you about POV's there is another thing writers need to focus on... Hope you're not lost yet.... TENSE.... What tense do you write in- Past or Present? Most of the books you read or that I've read are in Past tense. It's usually easier for the author to write about something that has already happened. They can know feelings beforehand and not have to interpret because they already know what's next. However, from my personal standpoint I write in both PAST and PRESENT Tense -1st person POV...(Now, that's a mouthful)... Apparently, I'm a damn glutton for punishment... lol.... Most of my books focus on the present so I am able to speak to my readers as I move along in the story. This can be a difficult feat since you aren't able to 'know' what happens next. It's kind of like flying by the seat of your pants and convincing your readers they're doing the same... walking along the story with you... But I also spend my time writing snippets in past tense... which can also get tricky... that's another story for another day... So when you decide to write your book... or when you're reading one... try to figure out what style you're immersing yourself in... You'd be shocked to see so many variations. Even though most books are usually 3rd person... there are variations in that, too... It's a whole lot more complex than I think some people realize... lol... So there's my little writers food for thought of the day... I will continue to write more of these little stories about my experiences etc... and if there's everything anything y'all want me to discuss... just shoot me a message or post a comment... I'll see what I can do... Peace- Bink P.S. What kind of POV do you prefer reading from? Or Writing from? (Some information for this post was used from: http://www.thebeginningwriter.com/2012/03/look-at-different-types-of-point-of.html )
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