Choosing the Right Point of View (POV) Type
A multitude of books have been written about the types of point of view (POV): first person, second person, third person, or omniscient. There are variations of each of those, such as third person limited versus third person deep POV.
Writers should, and do, spend alot of time learning and practicing to write POV well. And even more time and brainpower choosing the right point of view for the story.
Why?
Because the “right” POV type for that story gives the reader the deepest emotional experience.
A first person example is:
“I only had one thing to say: if looks could kill, Boopsie Sweets would have been well on her way to the Promised Land.” (Grave Consequences by Debra DuPree Williams).
But what if that book had been written in third person? “Charlotte glared at Boopsie, thinking if looks could kill, Boopsie would be on her way to the Promised Land.”
Same idea, but in this story, first person is more immediate and compelling.
But if you’re thinking that first person is ALWAYS the most artful way, this third person writing passage sizzles:
“The click next to her ear jerked her out of a deep sleep…” (Double Take by Lynette Eason).
Every story and every writer is different. When asked, many writers will tell you, “This story MUST be in ____________ person. It isn’t “right” in another point of view.”
What does that really mean?
In many cases, it means the writer of that story has written some or all of it in a specific POV type.
And then if it didn’t “sound right” or “feel right” or “work right”, the author rewrote some or all of the story in a different POV type to determine which point of view type is more engaging.
Authors write, and rewrite, and rewrite again. And maybe again.
To write every story with the right POV.
And give the reader a “can’t put down” story to the last page.
What is one of your favorite books, and what is the POV type?
The Right Point of View for the Story – What is a favorite book, and what is the POV type? Share on XJoni Vance is an award-winning author of fiction, essay, and poetry. She loves mystery, history, and how God reveals Himself every day.
May God reveal the mystery of His love in your life story.
Joni
What a surprise to find Boopsie and Charlotte mentioned in your blog post! Would you believe it was first written in third person POV?
I rewrote the first chapter in FPDPOV and sent it to my editor who called me within minutes telling me she wished to acquire it for the publishing house at which she was acquisitions editor.
Shock of my life! So, POV matters!! It can mean the difference between becoming published or that manuscript remaining unpublished forever!
Thanks for the mention!!
Deb
Thanks for reinforcing the info in my post with your real-life example. I appreciate you reading and commenting! Keep writing more Charlotte Graves mysteries!
Well done, Joni. a review of POV is always helpful. I prefer reading and writing in third person POV. Just a peronal preference–there is just too much use of “I” in first person–distracts me as I read. But I know some authors who do first person really well and I’ll still read them–some.
Thanks for reading my post and commenting, Katherine. I appreciate your support. 🙂
I love the Penderwicks series by Jeanne Birdsall and AI classifies these books as “third-person limited point of view that shifts between characters.” It is the story of a widowed father raising 4 girls. My daughter and grandchildren love the series as well. They are the ones who introduced me. I always look forward to the next book in the series.
Thanks for reading and sharing about the Perderwicks series. Glad you and the family enjoy it.
Well said. Thanks. Joni.
Thank you for reading and commenting, Tim. I appreciate your continued support!
A great reminder, Joni. Thanks!
Thank you, Tim. I’m trying to change up and not do just inspirational blogs. So we’ll see if it helps folks. 🙂 I appreciate you reading and sharing.