First or Third Person

[Sneakergirl]

So over the last year, I’ve written several chapters of a story following a college freshman as she discovers her unique fetish. This extremely shy, nerdy, high school straight A student has suddenly discovered that she enjoys giving head and secretly likes for the cum to end up in her shoe so she can feel it soak in all day as she’s walking around. It’s called “Letting it All Soak In”. I have five chapters so far.

My question is, I originally wrote the story in the first person (I.e. I, me, my) and accidentally switched to the third person (her, she) on the 5th chapter. I had taken a break between chapters and didn’t realize what I had done till after I had published it.

My questions are:
1. Which way do you enjoy reading better? First or third person?
2. Should I switch back? Or leave it?

Thanks!

 

[NotWise]

My questions are:
1. Which way do you enjoy reading better? First or third person?

No generic answer. It could be well-written either way.

2. Should I switch back? Or leave it?

I would try to keep the POV consistent rather than risking confused readers.

 

[AlinaX]

I've done that before, accidentally switching between first/third person. I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[Squeeze_Tight]

It all depends on the writer, but for me first person more easily invites an introspective element to the story. If I were writing along the general lines of internal discovery being the main drive of the story, I would gravitate towards first person.

In which person do you find the writing part more enjoyable?

 

[ElectricBlue]

Given that four out of five chapters are written in first person, I'd rework the last chapter to be consistent across the whole story.

Neither voice is "better" than the other, but you should be consistent within the same story.

 

[yukonnights]

From the opening in Pt. 02 (current rating 4.50) - I was finishing my first day of freshman orientation at NYU. This was huge for me since I was really shy and really wanted to get a good fresh start. I tried really hard to concentrate and absorb everything that was being thrown at me, but I was distracted by something. My left foot felt a little funny...
****


From the opening in Pt. 05 (current rating 4.65) - Today was the big Chemistry midterm and Kristan was extremely nervous. She had barely slept the night before and had spent every waking hour studying. She had to do well so she could keep her scholarship. Her strict Catholic parents were constantly on her to get good grades. Even though they were miles away from New York, they called and texted all the time...
****

Before I read the two examples, I thought that you should edit it to match the earlier parts. However after comparing the two above, it does not look like the shift bothered those who read it — which makes the decision harder. But, it wouldn't be too much effort to change it to first person.

I think it comes down to; What do you like the best? Does it nag at you? If changing it to first person would make you feel better, just edit the three pages and take the stress off. Bottom line is; You have an audience who is enjoying the story and want more — that's really a big accomplishment IMO.

 

[beth_]

I always thought I preferred third person as a reader, but some months ago I found myself reading a story and thoroughly enjoying it, feeling like part of the main character's world, privy to her thoughts, really engaged in the story ... and realized almost without thinking that I was reading and enjoying a 'first-person' story. Which is a long-winded way of saying that if you're writing in the first person and enjoying it, keep going!

As for adjusting the fifth chapter, I suppose I'd vote for consistency but that's easy for me to say, I don't have to do any of the work. Either way, good luck and thank you for sharing your stories here!

 

[SimonDoom]

I looked at your chapters. Chapter 4, in 1st person POV, today has over 7,000 views, but chapter 5, in 3d person and published 4 months later, has over 11,000. You have received no bad comments about the POV change. It looks like 3d person POV is working. I'd stick with that for the rest of the story if I were you. But whatever you do, be consistent from this point forward.