Changing POV

[BlackSnake]

I usually write in the third person, so when writting a story in the 1st person I did not plan for changing from one person speaking to another. For the story that I am writing, it has now become necessary for me to do so due to additional characters being added.

 

[Colleen Thomas]

I hate first person. Just finished my first work in that POV I'm even tempted to consider posting. I feel for you BS. When you are used to the freedom of thrid person moving to first is a PITA.

*HUGS*

 

[BlackSnake]

I've been writing the story from the point of view of the husband, but now with the introduction of a new character (the father's son from a previous relationship) the wife's point of view comes into play.

 

[Boota]

I've talked to a lot of people who felt that first person was difficult, but I enjoy writing in that POV. Blacksnake, the only thing I think you really have to worry about is changing POV on a dime. That can get very confusing to read. I read a book not too long ago where the writer wrote some chapters in third person and some in first person, depending on which character he was writing about. I don't know if it will work for your story, but it might be worth looking at as an option.

 

[Stella_Omega]

Do you want to talk from her POV? It's ben done in several very sucessful novels -that I can't remember at this moment but- it's difficult.
Can you tell her story from HIS point of view? You would have to tell only what he notices- but if you were good, you could probably give the wife's POV as it really is, although filtered by what the husband sees and doesn't see.
"My wife smiled in a way I've never seen her do before. Her words said "I'm so happy he's here" but her eyes were not looking straight at me"

 

[BlackSnake]

Do you want to talk from her POV? It's ben done in several very sucessful novels -that I can't remember at this moment but- it's difficult.
Can you tell her story from HIS point of view? You would have to tell only what he notices- but if you were good, you could probably give the wife's POV as it really is, although filtered by what the husband sees and doesn't see.
"My wife smiled in a way I've never seen her do before. Her words said "I'm so happy he's here" but her eyes were not looking straight at me"

I started this story, because I was having one of those evil thoughts, now its got me in a corner.

I want to show what's going on with the wife when the husband isn't around. I don't know how weak this is going to be, but I'm going to indicate the speaker in this chapter by <name>: unless someone has a better idea. There won't be a lot of changes. I think between these two characters everything should be covered.

 

[Stella_Omega]

I started this story, because I was having one of those evil thoughts, now its got me in a corner.

I want to show what's going on with the wife when the husband isn't around. I don't know how weak this is going to be, but I'm going to indicate the speaker in this chapter by <name>: unless someone has a better idea. There won't be a lot of changes. I think between these two characters everything should be covered.

Italics for one character? Or title the chapters by the name of the character that's speaking?
Please don't use <name> it's so internet-referential. Your work is better than that!

 

[gauchecritic]

I only ever use one person when writing 1st person but I can see the attractiveness of your dilemma snake.

I can think of three possible options. Having separate chapters for each pov. Using a narrator to fill in between to make it clear that pov is changing or go the Batman route.

Meanwhile....

 

[TheEarl]

I started this story, because I was having one of those evil thoughts, now its got me in a corner.

I want to show what's going on with the wife when the husband isn't around. I don't know how weak this is going to be, but I'm going to indicate the speaker in this chapter by <name>: unless someone has a better idea. There won't be a lot of changes. I think between these two characters everything should be covered.

I'd recommend following the style of Melvin Burgess. He frequently switches 1st person POVs from chapter to chapter, sometimes even having 1st person for some chapters and 3rd for others, whilst still being very enjoyable.

I'd recommend either using the POV's character names for the chapter titles or just making it clear very early each chapter who is speaking. Don't put it in italics, whatever you do - italics are the most difficult typeface for a person to read. That's why the small-print on advertisements is in italics; your eyes just gloss over it.

The Earl

 

[Stella_Omega]

Don't put it in italics, whatever you do - italics are the most difficult typeface for a person to read. That's why the small-print on advertisements is in italics; your eyes just gloss over it.

The Earl

Oh, arrgh.
I just submitted a story (A week ago actually... waiting... waiting...)
and I used italics to separate two converging narratives. In the original, one sequence was indented as well, for separation. I used italics here because its one of the simpler html tags.
Any ideas of a different way to do that? It's so damnhard to edit your work here! YOu can't change or delete stories once you've pushed that "submit" button. I've gotten complaints that are a result of typographical problems, and although I (hope) i fixed it in an edit submit, those "Edit" submissions are going nowhere in the queu...

 

[Weird Harold]

I usually write in the third person, so when writing a story in the 1st person I did not plan for changing from one person speaking to another. For the story that I am writing, it has now become necessary for me to do so due to additional characters being added.

As others have pointed out, there are several ways to handle events that happen outside what your first person narrator can have knowlege of.

My personal preference as a reader is that everything be filtered through a single first person narrator as events/motivations learned of after the fact -- effectively a shift to third person for events not directly witnessed or experienced by your first person POV.

Multiple first person POVs can cause confusion in the referent to "I" and "Me" even if you clearly identify the POV character you're focused on in each section. Confusion can be avoided but it is much easier to stick with a single first person POV and shift to third person where first person doesn't suit or give your narrator the benefit of hindsight.

 

[TheEarl]

Oh, arrgh.
I just submitted a story (A week ago actually... waiting... waiting...)
and I used italics to separate two converging narratives. In the original, one sequence was indented as well, for separation. I used italics here because its one of the simpler html tags.
Any ideas of a different way to do that? It's so damnhard to edit your work here! YOu can't change or delete stories once you've pushed that "submit" button. I've gotten complaints that are a result of typographical problems, and although I (hope) i fixed it in an edit submit, those "Edit" submissions are going nowhere in the queu...

I separate naratives by use of three stars between the sections:

* * *

It's fairly foolproof in Lit's formatting.

The Earl

 

[BlackSnake]

Thanks all. I ended chapter 3 and submitted it. Only the Lit gods know when they will appear, hopefully in the order that I submitted them. I would hate for readers to get the chapters out of order.

Anyways, I'm done with the first person. I just can't handle it. I am starting chapter 4 in the third person and that's where I'm going to stay. I need the flexability.

 

[NoJo]

For a published author, you're a bit of a fusspot.

 

[BlackSnake]

For a published author, you're a bit of a fusspot.

Don't you want to get better at your craft?

I write software in several different languages and I never in my career seen an expert. Only dumbasses can't learn anything.

 

[Stella_Omega]

Don't you want to get better at your craft?

Bravo Blacksnake! hugs, kisses and roses to you for that one.