I think that it can be used very powerfully, but it's damn hard to do. I usually only see it in shorter works as well, and, like you, I don't know if I would want to read a really long work in 2nd person. It's kind of emotionally draining for me. I've read some amazing stories in 2nd person, but they're usually short and emotionally charged and leave me reeling. Which is good. But if the writing isn't really excellent, 2nd person tends to fall really flat for me and I click away pretty quickly. I just tried 2nd person for the first time (other than writing exercises and whatever) for my Dudley_redeemed fic and I'm more than a little nervous about it being posted, because 2nd person IS such a hit or miss kinda style.
A lot of people hate it, but honestly, first person annoys me more than second person does. When done correctly, it can create a really interesting tone and mood. I've used it in fic before, mostly to create a dreamy mood. But like the above poster said, it's really hit or miss.
I haven't seen any second person fics in past tense, but I've certainly written it. It's here if you want to take a gander.
Really? How come? Is it because it's often hard to get the voice right? I've recently tried to write first person Uhura and I just can't get her to sound right, so I'll probably switch to third person.
I've certainly read a few first person fics where I've thought "Oh come on, [character] would not say that."
I want to use it to illustrate a feeling of detachment. The character whose PoV it is in sort of feels like things are happening to someone else - I think I'll try. It'll be an exercise if nothing else. :)
I think it works best for moments of introspection. Those times when thoughts just seem to fly by and as a writer you want the reader to experience that in a way "[character]'s mind raced" can't. Using it to create a sense of detachment sounds really cool and I for one would really like to read it if you finish it.:)
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I had one of those books when I was a kid. It was a Crystal Maze tie in. Did you get the Crystal Maze in the States?
(That hasn't been on telly for years. Now I feel old.)
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I'm contemplating using second person on a short fic, but am not sure if it is a good idea or not.
Hey, don't worry. I'm sure yours will be excellent!
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I haven't seen any second person fics in past tense, but I've certainly written it. It's here if you want to take a gander.
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I've certainly read a few first person fics where I've thought "Oh come on, [character] would not say that."
I want to use it to illustrate a feeling of detachment. The character whose PoV it is in sort of feels like things are happening to someone else - I think I'll try. It'll be an exercise if nothing else. :)
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http://www.amazon.com/Freewill-Chris-Lynch/dp/0064472027/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1285318195&sr=1-1
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