I'd like to start off by saying a HUGE thank you to Julie at Silver Lining for my awesome new award! I'm so excited about it. And I promise, promise, promise that I will complete what is required of me this time...just not tonight as it is eleven o'clock and I have just kicked my back's rear end(possible? Yes, I'm pretty sure of it.)by hands-and-knees scrubbing the kitchen and bathroom floors.
So I'll try to have my blog picks up by the end of this weekend.
Moving on...
I've been thinking a lot lately about POV. I feel as though I've hit a wall in my ms and I think that the POV is the cause of it. For years now, I've been writing in first person with no alternating narrators. It's just my thing.
But one thing I hate about reading books in first person is when the MC is not exactly cheery.
Sometimes I have a hard time liking the MC for this reason. I mean, all you hear is his/her inner turmoil and after a while, it gets tough to read.
I think that is my problem. My MC is going through some rough times and it's kind of depressing me. And the last thing I want to do is depress my readers!
I've also been reading several blogs about the stereotypical 'bad boy' lately. The bad boys always create that exciting, sexy element and they are fun to have around. But the beef is always that bad boys are bad just to be bad. And when you're reading something in first person, how do you really know what's going on in that bad boy's life without the MC constantly around him?
As I get to know my characters more and more, I'm realizing that I don't like not having the 'in' with my male character. I thought about alternating first person viewpoints, but I'm just not feeling it.
So I tried writing a scene in third person, just to see how it flowed for me. And it was great!
Now I think I might go back and change the whole thing to give the 'bad boy'(who's not really bad, just misunderstood)a chance to shine.
First person has always been my choice because I find that it's easier to be funny or to have exaggerated reactions from the MC. After all, everything is a much bigger deal in my own head than it actually is in real life which is how I entertain myself.
But I'm going to trust my gut and attempt this new POV. It will be a lot of work, but I think it will pay off in the end.
What do you think of this? Have you ever changed the POV in the middle of writing a story? Did you like the end result? And which POV do you usually prefer and why?
I'd love to hear everyone's opinions!
I have re-written my novel more times than I care to remember. However, with each passing draft, it gets better and better (well, I'd like to think so!)
ReplyDeleteGo with your gut, Julie. It's usually the right path to take.
Good post. Most thought provoking.
I've changed it AFTER the writing. The book that just recently caught an agent's attention was originally told in first person. Now it is third person, altnerativing between three different POV's! So much better for it too.
ReplyDeleteJust be prepared for some hard work. Work that will pay off if you're gut is telling you to switch.
Best wishes!
Katie
You're welcome, Julie! :) I love your blog background, by the way ... purple is my favorite color. I've never changed the POV in the middle of a story, but I'm glad that you're doing it since you feel it's right. Sometimes it's just a matter of writing it out and deciding whether the characters feel okay. I usually write in third person, but first person is definitely the most helpful when I'm trying to get into a character's head. Good luck with your writing and have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteYes! I've changed POV many, many times. But, regardless of what I start with I always go back to first person--it just flows easier.
ReplyDeleteI haven't done that yet - but I'm pretty sure it's just a matter of time... I bet it'd be exciting (albeit really hard work) - kind of like you get to read your story with a completely new feeling!
ReplyDeleteFor my current ms, the MC (a girl) was dying to be let out in first person. I actually prefer 3rd. Wait. I don't know. I think I prefer 3rd? At least, I always have in the past... (I think 3rd's easier for showing rather than telling anyway)
So. I have nothing to offer because I seem to be confused on the answer myself, haha.
I usually stick to 3rd person but sometimes I'll inject chapters in the 1st person if a character is telling a story or something like that.
ReplyDeleteMy WIP is in first person. I love it so far and don't have any plans to change it to third person, but if I felt the story would be better, I wouldn't hesitate. And I'm definitely open to third person for future projects. If you feel the need to switch your POV, go with it. I'm learning as I write to trust my instincts.
ReplyDeleteI much prefer to write in 3rd p-pov. I sometimes feel self-conscious and awkward when writing in 1st p-pov - silly, but true :)
ReplyDeleteAlthough in my completed ms, I write the scenes from the villain's pov in 1st person. Okay, now you've made me wonder just what that says about me...
Jemi-I am starting to agree with you! I'm feeling more confident about myself since I started changing the POV. Definitely the better choice.
ReplyDelete