Point of View Shifts

Where would you like to go?
I was discussing some writing topics with other authors and readers recently regarding POV (Point of View) shifts in writing. It was something that I minimized when I began writing, and also something I now worry about moving a great deal forward. Maybe too much!



This subject may not even pertain to every type of book or genre and may plague fantasy/sci-fi writers the most, because if your writing focuses on one character, then it is something that you don't have to worry about very often. Also, if you read or write Noir, or even spy novels, etc, it is generally about one person. The problem arises when the scope deals with multiple characters in a group setting. Either way, as a writer or reader, it is a relevant topic.



I have read many books and to be honest, I haven't really noticed or focused on that particular feature before. Looking back, I notice--and even what I am reading now, it becomes a focus--but for 40 plus years, it meant almost nothing to me as a reader! For example, George Martin handles it by writing one chapter from a particular person's POV, which is another interesting approach.



So, the discussion continued and then a fellow author began to explain that it wasn't really all that big of a deal and that it does not detract from the story and people rarely ever notice the shifts anyway. The other readers in the room did not seem to mind either; they just wanted to see good content and did not seem bothered by the way in which it was delivered. Then we touched on Third Person Omniscient vs. Third Person Subjective and agreed that they were OK as long as they did not A)detract from the story or B)give the reader important information that was out of context.



As a reader and/or writer, what do you think? Is Point of View important? Is it something that you notice when you are reading?



As usual, I look forward to your comments!











See you in Wothlondia! Cheers!



Please visit MY HOME PAGE to enjoy an extended reading experience, see direct links to purchase Covenant of the Faceless Knights and to see what else Ashenclaw Studios, LLC has in store in the future!



Photo from Stock.xchng.



All maps, names and content copyright Ashenclaw Studios 2011 unless otherwise noted.