Emotional Connection and Point of View

[lurban]

A friend pointed out a Twitter discussion of Hound Dog True in which the following comment was made:

"It's more than a story being told - almost like a story being felt by the reader."

I don't think I could have asked for a higher compliment. Now, I need to acknowledge that the person who made the comment, the very thoughtful Brian Wilhorn at

Comments

[tracyworld]

I've only written a short story in third-person and am now writing my first novel in third (after writing a first draft in first) and am enjoying it. It feels right for this particular project.

I just finished reading a YA novel I enjoyed very much but did find myself thinking "I don't need to know every, single thought in this narrator's head." Sometimes close can be too close.

[lurban]

I suspect that some folks will feel that way about Hound Dog, too. It is difficult to know how close to get and I think it depends on the story. Something to consider, that's clear.

I've always thought of myself as a first person writer, but my next novel is in third/omniscient pov. It is a real stretch, but I love the challenge.

[tracyworld]

For what it's worth, I didn't feel that way about Hound Dog True. It's a lovely story and I didn't resent being in on the thoughts and feelings.

Glad you're enjoying the "stretch" on your latest project!

[lurban]

It means quite a lot, thank you. Have fun with your book, too!

[arialas]

Funny, I was just having a POV conversation with a friend by email today -- I'm writing something in first person now, and my previous project was in third. She's doing the reverse, so we were discussing why we made these choices.

For me, it's all about the accessibility of the character. This new character is really locked up in herself, and without a first person voice, it'd be tough to understand her. The other character is less internal and there's much more world-building, so third person fit for her...

[lurban]

Makes sense to me -- although I can see the opposite working as well . . .

[arialas]

Good point!