Hidden Points of View
A compelling story emanates from each point-of-view character as they relate their perceptions.
But there are two hidden points of view in every story:
— The Author
— The Reader
Author Point of View
As an author, one important dream is to write a compelling story.
But the greater dream is to be read, and make the story resonate with the reader.
Even more important than the reader feeling the emotions I wish to convey, I want the reader to be transformed by the effect of my words.
If my words are well-written, they also inform, and inspire, and transport me. And hopefully do more than elicit the emotions I intend.
They change me in ways I never expect as I write the first word of a story and begin another adventure.
Reader Point of View
As a reader, one dream is to get lost in a compelling story.
But the greater dream is to have the words resonate with my emotions and spirit.
I read to be informed, or inspired, or transported into the world of the book.
Some writing teachers proclaim that compelling stories pull readers in, and the readers feel what it’s like to be the characters. Maybe even dream they are the characters.
That may be true in some cases.
But I think it’s more than that.
As a reader, I understand the emotions of the characters. But I don’t wish to be, or become, the character. The emotions evoked are based on my own life and experiences.
I’m not an arctic explorer, but I know the feeling of my feet being so cold, I thought they would never warm. Or the sense of aloneness and abandonment in a situation I wasn’t sure I would survive.
Or when the cool, mountain breeze momentarily clears the air around a firefighter battling a wildfire, I’m surrounded by the clean, crisp autumn air of the Blue Ridge mountains blowing through my spirit again.
If words are well-written, they inform, and inspire, and transport. And the words of a compelling story do more than elicit the emotions the author intends.
They change the reader in ways they never expect as they open the book and begin another adventure.
The most important points of view in a story are hidden. And are only truly experienced by the author and the reader.
How have stories changed you in unexpected ways?
Two Hidden Points of View in Every Story – How have stories changed you? 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.