Yet another helpful, fun and easy to understand crafty post.
I was just wondering if this structure (as easy and more or less nature-given based on instincts it is) works different based on the viewpoint you write in. I mean, with a novel written in first person like the Dresden Files you have a lot of thoughts and emotions right there. I know there are chapters basically taking a step back and recapturing what had just happened and what will happen next, but at a lot of times we know what Harry's thinking/feeling right there. Maybe I'm just not as careful a reader as I should but... long story short, does it make a difference to you whether you write first or third person?
Not in general terms. That format still works--it just means that you have to adjust your approach based on your particular writing style. It's certainly possible to write as warm or as cool as you like in third person, though. Look at Lois Bujold's writing--always third person, gorgeously full of personality and character, very warm.
But mechanics-wise, nah. I use the same format for Dresden (1st person) and Furies (3rd person) alike. Third person tends to have me use more "stage action" to convey some things, but that's just a stylistic choice. It's perfectly possible to write internal monologue or whatever, too.
Thanks, that does clear things up a little here. I guess it all depends on the writing style. I'm mostly writing 3rd person but tend to get inside the head of one of the characters to get things across. See.. can't even speak in crafty terms and we did learn that in English class once upon a time.
Just a quickie to say how much I enjoy your insights and advice. It's really good to see so many posts in quick succession, and all full of interesting stuff! Thank you.
Good info. Thank you! I pimped your blog on our little lj comm. riters_r_us and have already had positive feedback from members who didn't know about you and were delighted to find your journal. So, look for readership to go up even more. :)
Don't take this the wrong way, guys, but I'm kinda spending time I don't have here as it is. I'm sorry, but I just don't have the time to play with pretty formatting.
Plus it would help if I knew what an LJ-cut was. :)
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I was just wondering if this structure (as easy and more or less nature-given based on instincts it is) works different based on the viewpoint you write in. I mean, with a novel written in first person like the Dresden Files you have a lot of thoughts and emotions right there. I know there are chapters basically taking a step back and recapturing what had just happened and what will happen next, but at a lot of times we know what Harry's thinking/feeling right there.
Maybe I'm just not as careful a reader as I should but... long story short, does it make a difference to you whether you write first or third person?
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But mechanics-wise, nah. I use the same format for Dresden (1st person) and Furies (3rd person) alike. Third person tends to have me use more "stage action" to convey some things, but that's just a stylistic choice. It's perfectly possible to write internal monologue or whatever, too.
Jim
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I guess it all depends on the writing style. I'm mostly writing 3rd person but tend to get inside the head of one of the characters to get things across. See.. can't even speak in crafty terms and we did learn that in English class once upon a time.
Anyhoodles.. thanks for the quick reply :D
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Small request, though: when you're doing the huge posts like these, would you consider using an LJ-cut?
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The entry is awesomely informative and awesomely long...
A LJ-Cut would be amazingly helpful. ^_^;;
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Plus it would help if I knew what an LJ-cut was. :)
Jim
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LJ cuts 101!
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