POV for Romance novels...

[writergirl]

Hey everyone! I am going to start on a new novel, a romance, and was wondering how often people write them in first person?? I don't think I've ever read a romance in that POV, but I have seen publishers who accept it. Have any of you written one from that perspective? Thanks!

[veinglory]

I did it once. My main editor and several of my readers politely asked me to never do it again. True story :)

[thethinker42]

I write most of mine in first person. Some publishers don't like them, some don't mind. ALL of my gay romances are first person because third made the sex scenes into pronoun hell. My hetero romances are probably 50/50, first and third. Just depends on how I want to tell the particular story (i.e., if I want to get into the love interest's mind too).

[K. Taylor]

Well, my current I'm working on is two 1st POVs. Won't find out how well it's received until I finish, edit, query, etc. ;) I prefer working in 1st for the most part.

[Darklite]

I've just finished a romance novel in 1st person POV. I found it much harder to write than third, mainly because I was always aware of trying to keep 'in character' throughout the whole thing. And then whole months went by where my narrator went into a big sulk about the way the story was going and refused to talk to me at all. I've never had that problem with third, and I think it'll be a long while before I attempt first again.

[shameless]

My best selling book is in first person POV. :D

[K. Taylor]

My best selling book is in first person POV. NICE!!

[Cathy C]

We write frequently in first person, and catch no end of complaints from romance readers. The problem with first person (unless you're writing in paranormal and use "tricks") is that the reader has no way of knowing the other side of the romance. When you write in first from the woman and the man is distant and hangs up abruptly, the reader wants to know "why?" It's the anguish and joy of BOTH parties falling in love that's critical to the reader.

The necessity of this is really why we've moved our first person stories to the urban fantasy shelves. Same books, same conflict, but the mystery of 'why' remains intact and is spread over multiple books. There's romance IN UF books, just no HEA in each book.

Know that it'll be a hard sell to die-hard romance editors unless you figure out some way to let the reader know the whys and let them into the other person's head to explore emotions and thoughts of your other party. That's tough with first person. It can be done, but it'll take time and planning. :)

[raburrell]

We write frequently in first person, and catch no end of complaints from romance readers. The problem with first person (unless you're writing in paranormal and use "tricks") is that the reader has no way of knowing the other side of the romance. When you write in first from the woman and the man is distant and hangs up abruptly, the reader wants to know "why?" It's the anguish and joy of BOTH parties falling in love that's critical to the reader.
So why not use multiple first? Switch hero/heroine POV by chapter/scene, same as you would for third. If it's confusing, slap a header on the chapter and you're good to go.

[scarletpeaches]

Not every reader wants to know what's going on in the other character's head.

It's more realistic that way. In real life, after all, all we have to go on are the other person's words and deeds. We don't know their thoughts and in a book, I'd have no problem only knowing the main character's thoughts too.

[Darklite]

The issue I have with multiple first person POV is that it takes a skilled writer to pull off a distinct and recognisable voice for each narrator. I’ve read a few books where it can be difficult to tell who’s head I’m supposed to be in, when it should be obvious by the tone/style etc. The reader should not have to resort to checking section/chapter headings for that.

Also, there’s the problem of readers finding one narrator more appealing than the other other/s, and they may skip whole chunks of story to get back to their favourite character – although this happen in third person POV as well, I think it’s more of a risk in first.

[raburrell]

The issue I have with multiple first person POV is that it takes a skilled writer to pull off a distinct and recognisable voice for each narrator. I’ve read a few books where it can be difficult to tell who’s head I’m supposed to be in, when it should be obvious by the tone/style etc. The reader should not have to resort to checking section/chapter headings for that.

True, but if you're writing 'conventional' romance, and can't make a guy sound different than a girl, you're probably in trouble :D

Also, there’s the problem of readers finding one narrator more appealing than the other other/s, and they may skip whole chunks of story to get back to their favourite character – although this happen in third person POV as well, I think it’s more of a risk in first.
Also true - I'd say this is another thing that lands on the author's shoulders though, and the solution falls into the category of 'write a good book'

[Cherelle]

As a reader I hate reading first persons. My favorite author lisa kleypas writes her contemporaries in first person and I refuse to read them.

[Deb Kinnard]

So why not use multiple first?

Most of us don't do this because they're a tough sell. You have to get it 110% perfect, I'm told by people who have tried, or it just doesn't communicate. If ever I tried this, I'd have it beta-read by someone I trust to see if it actually worked.

First person as a whole is not easy to market unless you're writing really lighthearted women's fic (formerly known as chick lit). I was once told that a project I'd done in third person needed to be rewritten in first because it was humorous. I didn't do it--sold it to a house that was okay with it as-it-was.

[writergirl]

Wow! Thank you to everyone who has replied thus far :) I find ALL of you have great points in all your words and choices with writing romance.

Shameless - oh, this is much too inspiring for me! [makes me want to do a happy dance and get my book written in, well, as soon as possible!]

I asked because for me first person comes as naturally as breathing. I remember writing my first book, started in third and then decided it wasn't going right so I switched to first person. Everyone liked it so much better. Granted, it was't a romance novel. I guess I really like to connect with the heroine, and be just as clueless to what's going on as she does when conflicts arise with the hero. That's just me, though. Like said above, in real life you don't know everything that's happening, or being felt. BUT, I do know, as also stated above, that readers want everything - to dive deep into the worlds and minds of BOTH heroine and hero. Guys, I must say I'm torn.

Having started the first chapter in third person, when I went to read over it - the writing didn't seem like it was mine :/ And it felt...wrong. Should I just stick it out, keep up third person POV with practice? Or do what feels and reads as my own? After all, I want to be able to show my voice in my work.

[raburrell]

Most of us don't do this because they're a tough sell. You have to get it 110% perfect, I'm told by people who have tried, or it just doesn't communicate. If ever I tried this, I'd have it beta-read by someone I trust to see if it actually worked.

First person as a whole is not easy to market unless you're writing really lighthearted women's fic (formerly known as chick lit). I was once told that a project I'd done in third person needed to be rewritten in first because it was humorous. I didn't do it--sold it to a house that was okay with it as-it-was.

I find romance publishing to be too conservative for my tastes overall - 'tis why I aim elsewhere - there's something out there for everyone, and that's how it should be. For me (and yes, my betas), multiple 1st works, but yes, I concede, it can be difficult to pull of.

[Ardelie]

My only hesitation with romance in first person - sex scenes? The "I" just doesn't fit well, imo, and it tends to make me laugh more than go "oh, that's kinda hot."

[veinglory]

Not every reader wants to know what's going on in the other character's head.

The example given was for genre romance readers, who overwhelming do want to know this and represent the largest genre fiction market currently available.

[veinglory]

I asked because for me first person comes as naturally as breathing.

If you look at literary novels, an author's first novel is often in first person. As they continue, in many cases, they move to third. It seems most people start out naturally inclined to first, but the market moves them. The market for genre romance is particulalry strong willed about this. While fantasy and women's fiction now have quite a few successful writers using first person, in romance it remains unusual.

[dolores haze]

The example given was for genre romance readers, who overwhelming do want to know this and represent the largest genre fiction market currently available.

This is true. Unfortunately for me, 'cos my latest is third person, but entirely from the POV of the male MC. As a reader I wish there was a bit more variety in the romance formula. E-presses seem to be a little more adventurous, though.

[Darklite]

I wrote my first person romance with the e-pubs in mind. It's an unconventional romance as well as in first person, so the market would be very limited for me without them. Those e-pubs keep my dream of becoming an author alive :)

[veinglory]

This is true. Unfortunately for me, 'cos my latest is third person, but entirely from the POV of the male MC. As a reader I wish there was a bit more variety in the romance formula. E-presses seem to be a little more adventurous, though.

Indeed. I am also working on a male-POV romance... with a hint of femdom. It is unlikely to be one of my best sellers but at least smaller presses will give it a go.

[veinglory]

I wrote my first person romance with the e-pubs in mind. It's an unconventional romance as well as in first person, so the market would be very limited for me without them. Those e-pubs keep my dream of becoming an author alive :)

Epubs vary in their acceptance of frist person. For some it is a non-issue but many of the larger ones are pretty reluctant to take it. My one first person novella was placed with a smaller epub for this reason.

[*RomanceWriter*]

I read and write both, but since starting to write in 3rd, I haven't gone back. Yes, it's more accepted, but I also find it less limiting when writing.

[shameless]

My only hesitation with romance in first person - sex scenes? The "I" just doesn't fit well, imo, and it tends to make me laugh more than go "oh, that's kinda hot."


I don't agree. I actually thought some of my love scenes (BTW, to me they'll always be LOVE scenes not SEX scenes because I write romance...) in Turning Thirty-Twelve came out pretty darned hot. At least my readers tell me so. ;)

I think first person POV is like anything else in writing. You've got to learn to do it correctly. Biggest pitfall is switching tenses, judging from all the contests I've judged where entries used first person POV.

[shameless]

Shameless - oh, this is much too inspiring for me! [makes me want to do a happy dance and get my book written in, well, as soon as possible!]

Write what pleases you, because if you don't do that, you won't please anyone else, either. At least that's my mantra. :tongue

[Hailey-Edwards]

I have only attempted writing in first person once. The attempt turned into a fantasy romance novel I contracted to Samhain.

I read a lot of books written in first and decided to give writing it a try. I enjoyed the experience and hope readers will, too. Especially since there is a sequel brewing. :)

[K. Taylor]

So why not use multiple first? Switch hero/heroine POV by chapter/scene, same as you would for third.

This is what I'm doing. The odd chapters are his, the evens are hers. One thing that helps keep the voices distinct is not using a lot of "I" everywhere. "I" belongs to everyone, so you have to be judicious with it.

[writergirl]

Write what pleases you, because if you don't do that, you won't please anyone else, either. At least that's my mantra. :tongue

So, so true! :D Wasn't really thinking about it like that, though. Thanks!

[writergirl]

I have only attempted writing in first person once. The attempt turned into a fantasy romance novel I contracted to Samhain.

I read a lot of books written in first and decided to give writing it a try. I enjoyed the experience and hope readers will, too. Especially since there is a sequel brewing. :)

I was actually looking up that publisher last night! They seem like a good place to go with. That's cool they accepted it, and that you've got a sequel bubblin' up in the cauldron! Congrats on that!

[bylinebree]

My only hesitation with romance in first person - sex scenes? The "I" just doesn't fit well, imo, and it tends to make me laugh more than go "oh, that's kinda hot."

Oh, my...read the wedding-night scene between Jamie and Claire in Outlander. It's in Claire's first-person POV. Can you read that and say it isn't "kinda" hot??

Find me an extinguisher, plz!

[bylinebree]

I asked because for me first person comes as naturally as breathing.

I wish it came to me like that! It's third-person that comes as easy as breathing, for me. I get too introspective and weird when I write fiction in first-person.

So be thankful that you can write it:)

[thethinker42]

Oh, my...read the wedding-night scene between Jamie and Claire in Outlander. It's in Claire's first-person POV. Can you read that and say it isn't "kinda" hot??

Find me an extinguisher, plz!

Amen. I haven't read that one in particular, but I've read plenty in first person that work QUITE well. I've written hundreds myself, and probably 2/3 of them are first person...haven't had any complaints from readers (quite the opposite, actually ;)).

Might just be personal taste...I've never really found a difference between first and third in terms of a sex scene being intimate, hot, etc. Whenever a scene has turned out laughable instead of hot, it usually has to do with the writing itself, not the POV.

[writergirl]

I wish it came to me like that! It's third-person that comes as easy as breathing, for me. I get too introspective and weird when I write fiction in first-person.

So be thankful that you can write it:)

I'll be thankful for first person if you are for third ;) I really do wish I could write third person, it seems it would make things so much easier for me!

And I find myself wanting to check out the book you have mentioned. So on my book list it goes!

[writergirl]

Amen. I haven't read that one in particular, but I've read plenty in first person that work QUITE well. I've written hundreds myself, and probably 2/3 of them are first person...haven't had any complaints from readers (quite the opposite, actually ;)).

Might just be personal taste...I've never really found a difference between first and third in terms of a sex scene being intimate, hot, etc. Whenever a scene has turned out laughable instead of hot, it usually has to do with the writing itself, not the POV.

Would you mind recommending some romance novels in first person?

[scarletpeaches]

She'll pimp her own probably. :D

[thethinker42]

Would you mind recommending some romance novels in first person?

She'll pimp her own probably. :D

I would NEVER do such a thing! buy my books.

(All four of the books I've sold are first person, incidentally)

There's one romance novel I read a year or so ago that I really liked, but the title escapes me. If I find it, I'll post it. Most of my books are back in the States, so I don't have them handy, and I suck at remembering titles. :(

[shameless]

She'll pimp her own probably. :D

You crack me up. I'll be polite and not pimp mine -- although it did win the Aspen Gold Readers Choice for Best Contemporary Romance. (Sorry! Couldn't help myself! :o) I would recommend any from Lisa Kleypas that she wrote in first person.

[writergirl]

She'll pimp her own probably. :D

Oh my, you just made me laugh out loud! :) But, I would too...if I had any to pimp that is! haha

[writergirl]

I would NEVER do such a thing! buy my books.

(All four of the books I've sold are first person, incidentally)

There's one romance novel I read a year or so ago that I really liked, but the title escapes me. If I find it, I'll post it. Most of my books are back in the States, so I don't have them handy, and I suck at remembering titles. :(


I'll be sure to check them out! :)

[writergirl]

I'll be sure to check out her, too, Shameless.

Thanks you guys, for everything, really!

[Deb Kinnard]

None of mine is in first person, so I can't pimp my books (get 'em anyway).

It seems to me back some years there was a romance (literary fic?) with plenty of boingboing in it called JOHN AND MARY or something like that. It was written in alternating his/hers first person chapters. Each chapter started a little before the previous chapter left off, so you could see his reaction to some event whose telling had started in her POV.

It's probably OOP now but I read it many years ago and its treatment still sticks with me after all this time. It must've been excellently done for that to happen. Says something in & of itself, doesn't it?

[writergirl]

None of mine is in first person, so I can't pimp my books (get 'em anyway).

It seems to me back some years there was a romance (literary fic?) with plenty of boingboing in it called JOHN AND MARY or something like that. It was written in alternating his/hers first person chapters. Each chapter started a little before the previous chapter left off, so you could see his reaction to some event whose telling had started in her POV.

It's probably OOP now but I read it many years ago and its treatment still sticks with me after all this time. It must've been excellently done for that to happen. Says something in & of itself, doesn't it?

It does say something, I'll put it on my list to check out and read. Thanks!

[Cathy C]

Of course, I'm NEVER one to pimp my own books (:rolleyes:) but our first book for Tor, Hunter's Moon, is first person male perspective. Not only is it STILL our best selling book (more than 100K in print) but it won the Texas Gold Romance, The Lories Best Paranormal, the More Than Magic Best Paranormal, the Road to Romance Reviewer's Choice and the Love Romances Golden Rose Reviewer's Choice.

The sequel, Moon's Web, still in first person male, took the RT Reviewer's Choice Award and the THIRD book in the same POV, Cold Moon Rising, is up for another RT award this year. (But this time, they put it in "paranormal fiction", which speaks to the changing face of the market.)

So yeah, it can be done. It all comes down to the book. It's just tricky to do and you'll get your fair share of complaints. But do it anyway. :D

[*RomanceWriter*]

I would NEVER do such a thing! buy my books.


Love the subliminal message in there ;)

[writergirl]

Of course, I'm NEVER one to pimp my own books (:rolleyes:) but our first book for Tor, Hunter's Moon, is first person male perspective. Not only is it STILL our best selling book (more than 100K in print) but it won the Texas Gold Romance, The Lories Best Paranormal, the More Than Magic Best Paranormal, the Road to Romance Reviewer's Choice and the Love Romances Golden Rose Reviewer's Choice.

The sequel, Moon's Web, still in first person male, took the RT Reviewer's Choice Award and the THIRD book in the same POV, Cold Moon Rising, is up for another RT award this year. (But this time, they put it in "paranormal fiction", which speaks to the changing face of the market.)

So yeah, it can be done. It all comes down to the book. It's just tricky to do and you'll get your fair share of complaints. But do it anyway. :D

I think it's absolutely wonderful that your books have done so well! And being in first person POV!

I was lucky to get started on that romance novel [again] last night, only going from the first person POV of the heroine. Loved it so much more. So yes, as you have said...I'm going to do it anyway! :D Even if I get some complaints, I feel it will be worth it.

[Brindle Chase]

I think a strong voice, with a good plot, 3-d characters and written well... can work... person regardless. If 1st person works... go for it! If third is better... use it! its like any "rule/guideline"... they only work, when they work!! *lol* ... its the same for breaking the rules... they work, when they work!

[writergirl]

I think a strong voice, with a good plot, 3-d characters and written well... can work... person regardless. If 1st person works... go for it! If third is better... use it! its like any "rule/guideline"... they only work, when they work!! *lol* ... its the same for breaking the rules... they work, when they work!

Well said BC! Thanks :)

[Ardelie]

I freely acknowledge that I might just read the wrong books. If you can write a "love scene" that's hot, well then, more power to you :) I don't mind first person pov at all if it's done well.

[shameless]

I freely acknowledge that I might just read the wrong books. If you can write a "love scene" that's hot, well then, more power to you :) I don't mind first person pov at all if it's done well.


Okay -- quick pimp my book here... Turning Thirty-Twelve (http://www.fictionwise.com/ebooks/b94208/Turning-Thirty-Twelve/Sandy-James/?si=0)is only $2.75 at Fictionwise right now. Maybe my story can change your mind?? :D

[JulesJones]

I'm a natural third-person writer, but I did write one novel in first person, because that's how the story came to me. It's one of my personal favourites out of everything I've ever written -- but it also has the lowest sales of my novels. I didn't know at the time that I wrote it that first person sells poorly in the romance genre. :-( If I had known, I'd have still written it in in first, because that's what the story needs. But in future, if I have a story that insists on being told in first, it gets slanted to be sold as a different genre.