POV: You are writing a novel

When starting a new project, one of the first questions I ask myself is: "What POV am I going to use?" I used to have a strong dislike for the first person so I would avoid that. But I have grown to appreciate the use of it. Before you can even start writing, this is a decision that we all need to make.

The point-of-view determines how your story is read, how your reader connects to the characters, and how they see the world. Is it through the eyes of a certain character who may have a tainted or biased outlook? Or is it a general overview, stating things as how they are?

🤸Putting yourself first

First-person is one of the most commonly used perspectives - especially in YA fiction. It excels at helping the reader understand the thought process a character goes through and connect instantly with their emotions. If a character does something irrational, it is easier to understand their decision with this perspective.

The only thing I find with first-person is that it can sound basic at times. When it is used to repeatedly describe the actions of the protagonist without considering the emotions or thought process, it can seem almost list-like.

🎡The third wheel

Third-person is broken down into many different types. My favourites are third-person limited and omniscient.

Limited focuses on labelling the character with their name, the knowledge is tied to specifically what the target character knows and how they see things. This leads to describing things as they would, addressing changes rather than giving descriptions of everything that might be familiar to them.

Omniscient takes this from another angle, acting as almost a narrator to how the narrative plays out. This is used frequently in some classic fiction, as well as modern novels.

Many have their benefits, for example:

• I hid in the closet, holding my breath; waiting for the man to kill me.
• The man strode down the corridor, unaware that Paul was hiding in the closet next to him.

These are the ones I came up with on the spot, but a change in perspective can be used to create tension. But, it all depends on the focus of your writing, the tone you are going for, and even the genre in which you are writing.

Second-person is also a possibility. However, I haven't used it much myself and struggle to find any good examples. If you know any, leave a comment for me. The only one I have read that used this well is The Raven Tower by Ann Leckie. If you want to see how the second-person is used, read that one for sure.

Choosing the right perspective for your work is crucial - it can determine the image of your writing and the way it is perceived. It acts as a tinted window, changing the way it looks to a reader. You get to choose how it is seen. Consider what perspective suits you, and what you find easier to write in.

That's all from me today,
Fin :)