another (but slightly different) perspective query

Ronan · May 7, 2008

I couldnt find a direct answer to my question, so apologies if there is a solution somewhere and i've just overlooked it.

My first attempt will be in 1st person, it's my preferred perspective choice. I just seem to have got the impression that as a perspective it can sometimes be looked down on, perhaps deemed as less challenging than other perspectives and therefore inferior. Anybody agree with this? This won't affect which perspective I will use, so any opinions welcome

CaroGirl · May 7, 2008

I don't agree. I think the point of view you choose just has to suit the story. Period. There will always be readers who dislike one POV or another, but you can't please all the people all the time. Please yourself and serve the story.

eveningstar · May 7, 2008

CaroGirl said:
I think the point of view you choose just has to suit the story. Period.

I agree. Part of my current WIP is in second person, because it's the most suitable POV for the story.

Nateskate · May 7, 2008

I'd imagine it's harder in some ways to write in first person and keep it interesting throughout a novel.

Danger Jane · May 7, 2008

I think the doubts you're having might be because often, new/amateur writers gravitate towards first person, thinking it's easier.

But it's not. Few readers discriminate based on person and first person is as difficult as third, more difficult for some. There's pleeenty of literary precedent for first person, as well. Definitely not lesser.

You're right to use the person best for your story.

Kalyke · May 7, 2008

Quite a lot of famous books have been written in first person.

veinglory · May 7, 2008

I think there is a slight attitude because forst novels are often on 1st and 3rd is a slightly more commercial choice in a lot of popular genres. That said, I see more first out there these days in fantasy and even romance.

Bruzilla · May 8, 2008

Nateskate said:
I'd imagine it's harder in some ways to write in first person and keep it interesting throughout a novel.

I'm with Nateskate. With FP the author can only really delve into the thought processes of their character, and can only speculate as to what other characters are doing.

Ronan · May 8, 2008

Well im happy with that reply, I personally believe in the advantages of only speculating over the thoughts of other characters, rather than knowing them. So it really does seem like it is personal preference, reader by reader, and similarly with writers. Or at least I believe so...

RJK · May 8, 2008

As a reader, I became very comfortable with 3rd POV before reading very many 1st POV novels. Some of those were not very well done, and it took me quite a while to become interested in 1st POV fiction. Since those early days, I've found that they can be equally interesting and enjoyable to read. IMHO 1st POV may be more difficult to write than 3rd.

Charlie Horse · May 8, 2008

Genre has a little something to do with it I imagine, although genre shouldn't dicate which you use. Just something to keep in mind and weigh out with the rest of your decision making process.

another (but slightly different) perspective query

Ronan

CaroGirl

Living the dream

eveningstar

circus girl without a safety net

Nateskate

Danger Jane

Kalyke

veinglory

volitare nequeo

Bruzilla

Ronan

RJK

Sheriff Bullwinkle the Poet says:

Charlie Horse

Speaking in metaphors