A question on perspective.

Takvah · Jun 9, 2008

Alright, I'm doing something a little different... and I would like to know your thoughts. The novel that I am writing has a lot of memories/flashbacks (don't worry... I put you into the scene this isn't and then I said, and then I did), they all involve the protagonist and they explain his situation (origins), while at the same time shedding a light on his thought processes. I do all of this in first person, we're getting his perspective, his view of the past. When the story comes to the here and now, I switch it up to the third person. I think it flows and I obviously know what's going on. The betas that have read the first third say that they are not confused by the style... so that's a bit of a comfort.

Is there any inherent peril in writing a book like this, that might keep it from getting published? I like what I've done so far... and a part of me says, "To hell with it, ONWARD!" but my curiosity demands I ask some of the more learned in the world of writing and publishing their opinions. So... what do you think? Can I mix it up like that and get away with it?

Toothpaste · Jun 9, 2008

Yes.

Maryn · Jun 9, 2008

I'm firmly in the camp of "if it works, do it." Whenever the author takes any risk, large or small, there will be some who don't care for the result. Some of them may be literary agents or publishers, although as a group they may be more open-minded about fiction than the general public.

So if you feel it works, and that's confirmed by beta readers whose opinions you value, then I say continue.

Maryn, not a risk taker

jannawrites · Jun 9, 2008

There's no way to know unless you finish it, but it could be a twist that really ends up siting well with readers.

Good luck!

sunandshadow · Jun 9, 2008

People may regard the parts in first person flashback as being basically a separate plot thread, which would mean it needed its own little climax/resolution.

Takvah · Jun 9, 2008

sunandshadow said:
People may regard the parts in first person flashback as being basically a separate plot thread, which would mean it needed its own little climax/resolution.

Funny you should mention that... I thought the same thing. You can't just end it in on one side and leave the other dangling. It's almost like some kind of perverse algebra equation... the sides have to balance. Great insight... and I have that covered as well.

kuwisdelu · Jun 9, 2008

sunandshadow said:
People may regard the parts in first person flashback as being basically a separate plot thread, which would mean it needed its own little climax/resolution.

Excellent point. I agree with this, and I'm glad you've done that.

If the betas don't mind it, I'd say keep it. I've done this kind of thing before, and I personally like it.

qwerty · Jun 9, 2008

Takvah said:
Can I mix it up like that and get away with it?

I had a similar fear about my last completed novel, except I was switching tenses not POV. I went over it when it was finished and tried to put it into more "conventional" format. I didn't like the revision, so went with my initial flow - which was basically just how the book sort of wrote itself - and sent it to an agent. When he phoned to ask if I was willing to do some revision, I instantly assumed - yep, you've guessed - that I was going to get rapped over the knuckles for switching tenses. Wasn't even mentioned, and he is now repping the book.

I now have this theory that, if it works for me, and I'm happy with the result, chances are others will be happy too.

Jill · Jun 12, 2008

qwerty said:
I now have this theory that, if it works for me, and I'm happy with the result, chances are others will be happy too.

I'm with you on this one, Qwerty.

Takvah, go for it. From my experience these days agents/publishers are looking for writers with fresh ideas, prepared to take chances.
There are loads of good writers out there but it's that 'x' factor that determines a successful one.

Kalyke · Jun 12, 2008

Anne Rice wrote Interview with the Vampire, and Servant of the Bones that way. She had a first person narrator in a present situation telling a back story in first person that made up nearly the entire book. The frame, made up by a reporter and the vampire was in third person in "Interview." On occasion, the present characters would speak together, ask questions, dig for more material. This is a technique used all the time called a frame (as in picture frame) or framing.

patrick bateman · Jun 12, 2008

Jackie Collins often has separate chapters scattered throughout her books which are flashbacks. They're easy to spot because those chapters are in italics. I don't think she ever writes those flashback chapters in first person though. She sticks to third person throughout. As a writer, I'd prefer to stick to one perspective throughout the entire novel. As a reader, it wouldn't bother me too much so long as I knew who was doing the talking.

Jill · Jun 13, 2008

Read Rose Tremain's Sacred Country and read how effectively she weaves first and third person narratives with different viewpoints.

EriRae · Jun 13, 2008

Sounds like you know what you're doing, and it works. Keep it up!

A question on perspective.

Takvah

Not a D list ego massager...

Toothpaste

THE RECKLESS RESCUE is out now!

Maryn

I Tried

jannawrites

no, really

sunandshadow

Impractical Fantasy Animal

Takvah

Not a D list ego massager...

kuwisdelu

Revolutionize the World

qwerty

exiled Brit

Jill

Kalyke

patrick bateman

Jill

EriRae

:P