Fellow blogger and follower recently asked me in a comment, "what is your favourite writing style?"
To which my answer was: "I prefer to write narratives in third person with an omniscient narrator."
To elaborate, I actually find it a little difficult to write in first person. When I try it, I believe that I use "I" too much, especially at the start of a sentence and it just drives me crazy. I know that there are many people out there who are masters of this particular art, but I feel that I am not yet one of them.
On the other hand, when writing a short story, I write in first person almost instinctively. It's short and I have to fit a lot into it, so there's not as much time for elaborate descriptions of what the main character is thinking and feeling and seeing and sensing. I feel comfortable writing in first person if I am writing short fiction, but when it comes to chapter-length pieces, my brain switches straight to third person, generally with an omniscient narrator.
I guess that with practice and proof-reading, I will become better and more confident with writing in first person for longer stories. But for now, the fact stands that I am a third person writer.
If there are any questions from anybody, please feel free to ask me and I might even make a blog entry about it.
- Bonnee.
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I don't find that you preferring to write in third person is necessarily a bad thing. It demonstrates objectivity and an ability to observe more in the world around you. A lot of writers use first person, and the result can be limited in terms of thought and creativity. In terms of my writing, I've transitioned from third person to first person, and now I enjoy experimenting with second person. I find that writing as 'you' achieves an extremely confronting effect; a conversation with one's self that is impossible to ignore. My writing is a mix of the two because I adore playing with non-linear narratives, and I find it easy to mix it up that way, but that's just me though. I suggest you keep rolling with what you're comfortable with.
ReplyDeleteThank you for contributing to the conversation. I think that part of why I choose third person for chapter-length pieces is exactly because of what you've just said; objectivity and an ability to observe more in the world around you. The omniscient narrator allows me to get into the head of whichever character I like. I agree that writing as 'you' in second person has a wonderful effect, I think it really gets the reader well and truly involved. I'll write to my strengths and practice at my weaknesses. Thanks again :)
DeleteI think I naturally go towards first rather than third person. Probably because I love getting into my characters' heads in a deep way. Saying that, I have written two novels in third person - although it didn't come easy. When I first started I kept accidently going into first, and it became a bit of a nightmare because I didn't even realise I was doing it! But eventually I got the hang of it.
ReplyDeleteIt's interesting how you write in third for novels and first for short stories. But I do understand your reasoning. I guess everybody has their own style! Great post, Bonnee!
:) It's not that there's anything wrong with a different point of view, it's just best that we write what we find easiest most of the time because we're usually better at it. Good work for making two novels in third person despite it not being your strength! That's a great achievement.
Delete"I" is tough to get around in first person, it definitely feels like it's every other word out of your fingers. One of the tough things about first person writing is that you can explore one character very deeply, but are limited with other characters to what they say/do and what the narrator observes. I tend to slip into first very naturally, though the novel I'm working on now is a close 3rd that teeters on omni. I'll have to get control of that POV a little more.
ReplyDeleteI think the limitation that first person creates is the reason that I choose third person, and also why I choose an omniscient narrator. I like to be able to get inside the head of any character I want. Especially with Evergreen, seeing as I have three main characters! Good luck with your WIP and with getting the POV picture-perfect. Thanks for adding to this conversation!
DeleteThank you for the offer, but for now I think I'm quite content. Aside from the rainbow banner not stretching as far along the top as I wanted it to. But that's a product of my own laziness. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, you too mate! :)
ReplyDeleteYeah, the "I" think can be a pain, that is why I love to right in Russian and Romanian, personal pronouns are virtually eliminated!! Hallelujah!! haha Thanks for the post, it was great. ;)
ReplyDeleteO.o Note to self: Learn Russian or Romanian and start to write in that language. I envy your wider knowledge of other languages.
ReplyDeletehaha very funny!!! It's no great thing when you hear it everyday it just comes pretty naturally. But yeah, it is kind of cool!! I know a few other languages too, but not as well. I am only fluent in three. :(
ReplyDeleteONLY fluent in three?? Well you're doing better than me, mate! I'm fluent in one and know hardly anything in any other language.
DeleteConsidering that there is pretty much only one language on your entire continent, that is very understandable!!!
DeleteNowhere NEAR true! English is the official language, but do you know how many people from other countries there are here?? It's crazy! And considering the whole mother's side of the family is from Italy and speak Italian fluently and always use it when talking to each other, it's actually kinda pathetic.
DeleteNice post !! I understand , I prefer writ to the first personn too ! ^^
ReplyDeletexx
Morgane
http://lenuageducookie.com
:D I'd love to read some of your stuff, even if it is in French. I'd love to learn French...
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