Writing a Series

Write4U2 · Jun 14, 2008

The current book I'm writing is the first in a series of three -- a trilogy, possibly a fourth will follow.

Here's my question (I may not have the jargon down yet). This is a question about voice, I think, or POV? Simply, I want to know if when you write a series, the books should all be written in one voice ~ the third person or the first person, or can you switch?

For example, the first book is written in third person, and throughout, I switch from main character to main character, and you know what they're thinking. The reader gets to know the characters well enough, I think, that the second and third books to be written in first person.

What do you think about doing that? Is it wise, or should I stick to third person?

BlueLucario · Jun 14, 2008

I just posted something like this! LOL and I was going to ask the same question!

I don't think it matters, a POV shift from book to book. I don't think the readers would notice a POV shift.

DeadlyAccurate · Jun 14, 2008

I've seen it done both ways. It can be a little jarring to read the second book and get a different POV, but if it's done well, who cares?

Prozyan · Jun 14, 2008

You can do third person/first person shifts in chapters if you want. The important thing is making it work.

First person can be difficult to write effectively.

Danger Jane · Jun 14, 2008

Many readers actually do notice POV. Anyway, it's perfectly fine to switch POV within a book or series, as long as the switches aren't simply arbitrary, because in those instances it's most likely to be jarring. Just have a good reason for those stylistic choices.

Also, it's perfectly fine to have multiple first person narrators, in case the reason you're using third is to have multiple viewpoints.

geardrops · Jun 14, 2008

To answer your unasked question:

POV stands for Point Of View, which is the viewpoint from which the story is told, be it first person, third person, etc.

Voice is your own unique way of writing. It is word choice, the beat of the words, et cetera, that makes your writing distinguishable from others (pending you have a strong, unique voice).

Mel · Jun 14, 2008

When you say characters it makes me wonder if you are going to use many POV's. Maybe you mean just the two main characters? If you do mean most of the characters then I'd caution against that, for the simple reason that beginning writers feel this is a good way for readers to get to know them all. But, it's really trying to write the easy way and doesn't always work. Writing is hard not easy, and it is hard to work in how other characters in a story think and feel, but it makes for stronger writing and holding the reader's interest.

Just ignore me if I misunderstood.

Write4U2 · Jun 14, 2008

Thanks!

Danger Jane said:
Many readers actually do notice POV. Anyway, it's perfectly fine to switch POV within a book or series, as long as the switches aren't simply arbitrary, because in those instances it's most likely to be jarring. Just have a good reason for those stylistic choices.

Also, it's perfectly fine to have multiple first person narrators, in case the reason you're using third is to have multiple viewpoints.

OK, got it, and I did know voice was the writer's style. I forgot when I said that. It was POV I was asking about.

The first book introduces my two main characters and the second and third are actually 2A and 2B as they will run simultaneously during the same time period and go forward in the two character's lives. I think I might have to get to the point of actually writing them before I'll know which POV will work best for the overall novel(s). I have the plots written and the characters worked out, but still have some touches to do on the first manuscript.

Thanks again, all of you.

Danger Jane · Jun 14, 2008

Write4U2 said:
OK, got it, and I did know voice was the writer's style. I forgot when I said that. It was POV I was asking about.

The first book introduces my two main characters and the second and third are actually 2A and 2B as they will run simultaneously during the same time period and go forward in the two character's lives. I think I might have to get to the point of actually writing them before I'll know which POV will work best for the overall novel(s). I have the plots written and the characters worked out, but still have some touches to do on the first manuscript.

Thanks again, all of you.

Yea, that's sometimes how it is. Pain to rewrite...but no words are wasted, I suppose. Good luck!

tehuti88 · Jun 14, 2008

In the first story of my series, I wrote all but the first chapter from the third-person POV of the main character. The stories following that are multiple third person (numerous characters).

So this is somewhat similar, but not quite the same. In a series I wouldn't mind POV switching between characters, but I'd find first person jarring after the first book being in third. Then again, it's been done. I seem to recall that Wilbur Smith's "River God" is written in first person and then the rest of the books are in third person; that jarred me, making me wonder, "Why isn't the MC telling the story anymore?" but apparently if it's done right, it can work.

I'm partial toward third person, so I might be biased.

Writing a Series

Write4U2

BlueLucario

Blood Elves FTW

DeadlyAccurate

Absolutely Fazed

Prozyan

Are you one, Herbert?

Danger Jane

geardrops

Good thing I like my day job

Mel

Never be completely back to normal.

Write4U2

Danger Jane

tehuti88

Mackinac Island Fanatic