Perspective prefferals

[Phyrixes]

Trying to write a story, my first story (which can make or break just about any would-be author), I'm a little parse about how to go about perspectives that are more widely acceptable. And more to the point, I'm stuck with writer's block until I can get my viewpoints held down.

Perspectives in both third, first or second person. And in Past, present or future tenses.

For some folk there is a more acceptable (or more Comfortable) way of reading
And so seeing as we're all gathered here, I figured I'd ask you all:

Which makes You more comfortable?

Personally I don't mind any tense (even if it shifts). Just so long as I can make sense of what's going on, and so long as it keeps me interested.

 

[Lauren Hynde]

Any perspective and tense can work if you have the skill, but some people are prejudiced against 2nd person narration no matter what.

The answer to your question, I think, isn't about what is more comfortable to the reader, it's about what is easier to the writer. There are always less chances of fucking up the writing if you use 3rd person instead of 1st, past instead of present. To write a good 2nd person future tense story must be the most difficult thing to do.

But again, this doesn't matter. It's all about your own personal style and what the plot demands, and if you have the skills, you can make any story feel comfortable.

 

[Uncle Meat]

Any perspective and tense can work if you have the skill, but some people are prejudiced against 2nd person narration no matter what.

That's not a prejudice I share, but I will say that nearly every second-person story I've ever read seems to have an unnturally self-concious feel to it. If someone were to ask for my opinion, I'd say you're better off leaving second person alone unless there's a specific and compelling reason to use it.


The answer to your question, I think, isn't about what is more comfortable to the reader, it's about what is easier to the writer. There are always less chances of fucking up the writing if you use 3rd person instead of 1st, past instead of present. To write a good 2nd person future tense story must be the most difficult thing to do.

But again, this doesn't matter. It's all about your own personal style and what the plot demands, and if you have the skills, you can make any story feel comfortable. [/QUOTE]

I think the bottom line is that the reader's not going to be "comfortable" with the story unless the writer is.

 

[Lauren Hynde]

That's not a prejudice I share, but I will say that nearly every second-person story I've ever read seems to have an unnturally self-concious feel to it. If someone were to ask for my opinion, I'd say you're better off leaving second person alone unless there's a specific and compelling reason to use it.

That's exactly it. I've been lucky enough to have read enough top quality novels and short stories using second person narration, and even two or three good ones here in Lit, to know that prejudiced shouldn't be directed at the choice of perspective, but at less than skillful attempts to do it. There are just too many of them out there.

 

[oggbashan]

First story

If this is your first story ever the point of view (POV) doesn't matter. If you write it down in one POV you can edit a copy to another POV and see which of them you like best.

The reactions of readers to your first story are not really important. Your reactions to the completed work are more significant.

If you look at it and say "I can do better" then go and do it.

My first story is unreadable and boring. I keep it for an example of how much I have learnt but I would never put it on display.

Just choose one POV, one tense, then write. You can edit, change and adapt afterwards but keep copies of all versions.

If you are stuck on one story, start another. If you are totally stuck do something different. Even standing up, walking out of the room and walking back in again can be enough to restart the writing.

First stories do not make or break an author. First stories are the beginning of a long process of self-development. If you have to write you won't stop.

Good luck

Og

 

[Phyrixes]

Thanks for your feedback, I appreciate the honesty.

 

[Uther_Pendragon]

I've done most POV styles. (I wrote one story, not on Lit,
with eight substories. They were in 1st-person, 2nd-person
3d-limited, and 3rd-omnisicient. For each POV style, I
wrote one substory in the simple future and another in the
future perfect. Don't do that for your first story.)
Generally, for ease of writing, put the story in the simple
past tense, and either 1st-person or 3rd-person limited.
Some stories cry out to be told from an entirely different
POV. A few need to be told in a different tense.
But even science-fiction storeis set in the future are
usually told in the simple past tense.