First or Third-Person (Decisions! Decisions!)
Initially, I started writing "Levels" in the third-person; however, by the time I had completed the sixth page, I found myself disliking my own story.
I was sure that allowing one of the characters to narrate events as they occurred would gradually create an empathic bond between him and the reader. So I shredded the six pages and started over.
As a result of this decision, readers discover the world of "Levels" through the eyes and mind of the main character, Jonathan. Even though they only witness those events and situations that Jonathan himself personally experiences, their interpretation of those events and situations may often differ quite a bit from his.
As he advances from one level to another, Jonathan is exposed to surprisingly diverse groups of people whose lifestyles and customs are totally alien to anything he has ever known. Through them, he gradually learns that honor, courage, maturity, humility, and accountability are more than just abstract concepts.
Readers may at times be angered or upset by some of the personal opinions expressed by Jonathan; so it is imperative that they constantly remind themselves that these are only opinions. After all, in the world of "Levels", there is no definitive right or wrong - true or false - real or illusion; therefore, the reader's opinion is just as valid as those formed by Jonathan or any other character in the story.
I was sure that allowing one of the characters to narrate events as they occurred would gradually create an empathic bond between him and the reader. So I shredded the six pages and started over.
As a result of this decision, readers discover the world of "Levels" through the eyes and mind of the main character, Jonathan. Even though they only witness those events and situations that Jonathan himself personally experiences, their interpretation of those events and situations may often differ quite a bit from his.
As he advances from one level to another, Jonathan is exposed to surprisingly diverse groups of people whose lifestyles and customs are totally alien to anything he has ever known. Through them, he gradually learns that honor, courage, maturity, humility, and accountability are more than just abstract concepts.
Readers may at times be angered or upset by some of the personal opinions expressed by Jonathan; so it is imperative that they constantly remind themselves that these are only opinions. After all, in the world of "Levels", there is no definitive right or wrong - true or false - real or illusion; therefore, the reader's opinion is just as valid as those formed by Jonathan or any other character in the story.
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Dec 23, 2013 07:21AM
Sounds like you made the right decision Jim. You hit the nail on the head when you said that first-person creates an emphatic bond between the character and reader. You either want this as an author, or you need to avoid it. I think too many authors write in the 1st person to create drama. In action-adventure, thriller and fantasy novels, this can get exhausting for the reader. I think the real value of a first person narrative is shown when the story is more of a cerebral exploration of thoughts and ideas rather than a fast-paced adventure that plays with the reader's instinct and intuition. Can it be done both ways? Sure, but it is the norm today for authors to write in the first person and show no depth in their characters. I find it refreshing when my point of view is challenged by a character in a setting different from what I know. I haven't read Levels yet, but it seems that is what you are doing. Congrats on your book and best of luck.
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J. wrote: "Sounds like you made the right decision Jim. You hit the nail on the head when you said that first-person creates an emphatic bond between the character and reader. You either want this as an auth..."J.,
Thank you for taking the time to check out my blog posting.
Jim
Interesting points here. Third person writing enables the author to switch scenes and tell different aspects of a story from a remote overview - useful and appropriate where the action is the main aim of the story and/or it takes places in several places, with various characters.First person is better when one character's internal thoughts and feelings are more important. It is up to the author to judge when this is more appropriate. I haven't read 'Levels', but I understand your explanation and it sounds as if you got it right.
One awkward idea to throw in . . . I have only twice seen attempts to write in second person. One was selected episodes in an Ian Banks book (Crow Road, I think, but I don't have a copy handy to make sure) and the other is Charles Stross, in Rule 34. Both attempts surprisingly successful, but I can't help thinking that this is a very difficult trick to attempt!
Alan wrote: "Interesting points here. Third person writing enables the author to switch scenes and tell different aspects of a story from a remote overview - useful and appropriate where the action is the main..."Alan,
Thank you for taking the time to share your ideas and insight.
I don't believe that I have ever read a novel narrated in the second-person. Come to think of it; I don't believe I have even considered it as an option until reading your comment. Definitely, a novel idea (pun intended).
Jim
I find a story in close third, with variation in closeness, allows me to have several characters in a novel.For each, it takes me a while to change into that persona and that point of view. To write Andrew, I have to become Andrew. I liken it to getting inside his skull and sitting right behind his eyeballs looking out. Everything is then described as he would.
I've seen good writers do that with rotating first-person pov, and didn't like the effect.
The basic decision is: how many pov characters does a story need, and how are you going to give them all space if there is more than one.
If you ever start up writing again, consider the possibility.
Alicia wrote: "I find a story in close third, with variation in closeness, allows me to have several characters in a novel.For each, it takes me a while to change into that persona and that point of view. To wr..."
Alicia,
Thank you for viewing the blog post and sharing your personal viewpoint and advice. I readily admit that some of my best ideas have come from others.
Jim Vuksic
