I'm too attached to my main character.

I'm sorry, if I put this in the wrong thread, feel free to move it if it is. I have this problem with my first book. I planned to write the rest f my story in third peson POV, because first person is difficult to do right and it isn't suitable for the story I'm writing.

I felt that writing in first person POV is beneficial, because it's easier for me to write a character-driven story. It's easier to make the main character strong-willed and competent. She can make decisions for herself, she's always into challenges. She takes over the story. I didn't choose first person because of that, it was instincts.

Remember the critter I "ranted" about three months ago? He told me that I should write it in third person. I kept asking him why, what's wrong with how I've written it? I get no response from him. After reading some short stories, I finally figured out why third person was highly suggested, because one, The way I've written the story, and two, first person isn't suitable for a story like mine.

After writing a couple of short stories in third person, I felt that it was easier and more fun. But when I tried to write in third person in my story, I feel that something is holding me back, I don't know what it is. When I try to, I feel like I'm beig ripped in too. I'm being separated from Lily. It's hard for me to write in third.

I felt that I'm just too close to Lily. She's been in my imagination for six years. I just can't rip her out of me?

I need some advice. I know I'm asking too much from you, but It really hurts.

A little....

But she isn't exactly "lik" me.

Then that's not good.

If she's too much like me. I felt that we are completely different. I'm not as cold and calm as she is.

You know. I think I'll try it out. Write a paragraph and let you know how it felt. It won't be easy.

Larp?

CDarklock said:

Live Action Role Play.

The "over the edge" activity in Rona Jaffe's Mazes and Monsters.

Actually very safe and a great deal of fun.

Click to expand...

I think I've tried those, but I'm going to come across as insane.

Rolling Thunder said:

I know how you feel about attachment to your characters, Blue. But maybe the time isn't right for you to continue writing about her. Maybe you should focus on another story, and a different set of characters, to hone your writing skill; then come back to Lily in another year or two and finish hers.

During the time you are working on other WIP's, you can always spend a little time tinkering with Lily's story. You might find new situations and character traits along the way as your writing improves. She'll still be there waiting, and you'll be a better writer so you can do her story justice.

Click to expand...

I think that's a good idea. I still had some thoughts about the school shooting story, some serious thoughts. About what POV to put it in, the shooter in 3rd person? Or his sister in first?

I've written the piece in third person. I tell you, it's both enjoyable and uncomfortable at the same time. It's so much easier to flesh out Lily more.

http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=ddgfj8tv_7fxjvr3f7

Actually, I tried it out and it's somewhat easier, but it's still uncomfortable. But it was a bit awkward. Instead of "I's" it was "She"

Dale Emery said:

Who has the most to lose? Who will learn the most important lesson?

Dale

Click to expand...

Yeowch that's a hard one. I wanted Cain, because he's the kid being bullied and he's has Asperger's.

And his sister, Carrie. Well, it's his sister and her thoughts on him.

Linda Adams said:

How about another option? Third allows you the option of having the viewpoint of more than one character, depending on what the story requires. So if you had a brother and a sister in the story, you could show scenes from the brother's perspective and show other scenes from the sister's perspective. With some thrillers, the author will even show scenes from the villain's perspective. It might open some different options.

Click to expand...

I plan on doing third person. Do you mean omnicient? Or some POV switches.

With this second book, there's a lot to think about.

EDIT: I think this sort of reminds me of Carrie. (The book.)

Yes!!!! Writing from Lily's POV in third person rocks! I was able to focus more on just telling the story and the fight scene I'm writing is much easier. It's still going to be difficult to balance out the dialogue, which ruins the pacing everytime.

Linda Adams said:

There are couple different types of third, including one that follows just one character throughout the book and another type that has multiple POV characters (POV switching). .

Click to expand...

I know what you mean. POV switching? That was in Carrie, but it was really confusing when you read it.

But it is possible when your write in third person, you don't really know exactly what you're writing? Like when I wrote from Lily's POV in third, it sounds like omniscient, when it should be limited.