Writing Help-Group For Everyone discussion

Is starting out in third person then switching over to first person point of view a good idea Or would staying in one point of view better?

Depends, are you doing an introduction to your story in third person, then starting the actual chapter one in first person view? If that is the case, then it would fit good, I am sure! If that isn't the case and you are just starting the chapter like that and switching at the next, then you would have to make them both fit, or slide, perfectly together. Keep in mind that it relies on where and how you want your story to unfold.

I agree with Phoebe. And always remember that when you're telling a story (doubly so if you're switching between two writing forms) you're talking to people who are not familiar with it, who don't know the tale. What might sound clear to you, may not be to others.

And keep in mind the casualties of viewpoints. Don't overdo anything, but don't underdo, either.

Along the same note you should make it clear to the reader what's going on. I just finished reading Outlaw and I find that the author switches back and forth from the protagonist's present and the past he is recounting in a confusing manner. You can figure it out, but it's not that clearly delineated in places. As @Julius said "What might sound clear to you, may not be to others."

Well-placed quote, Daniel. I think we can all -relatively safely- assure that most have the mindset that switching between past and present is rather difficult to do while being perfectly clear with no writing to unravel.

I prefer reading first person. It makes the experience more relatable and intimate. :-)

I agree, but third person adds to the mystery of a story.

Iesha (In east shade house at...) wrote: "I agree, but third person adds to the mystery of a story."

Indeed. I have to agree with you there. Unlike first-person view, third person can give more insight as to the mystery about a character.

I think it really depends on your story and your characters. Third person adds distance, which some stories need and which, as was mentioned before, adds elements like mystery. First person pulls the reader in closer to the narrator, which can be great if that's what's needed; it can also ruin a story that would have thrived with a bit of distance.

As for utilizing both? I'd stick with one or the other, unless it really, truly will add to the story.

Teshelle wrote: "I think it really depends on your story and your characters. Third person adds distance, which some stories need and which, as was mentioned before, adds elements like mystery. First person pulls t..."

I also have to agree with that, Miss Teshelle. What you say is actually most agreeable with everyone, I would assume. :)

I tend to use both in my books but then again I also write in short story form. My first book has mostly first person but one story is in third because it felt more natural to the story. I definitely think that it depends on the story you are trying to tell. I use first person when I want the reader to be able to get to know one character specifically such as in my first book where three different characters tell stories from their point of view. Because this book is made up of connecting stories, most of which are about one major character, I felt it would be good for the reader to see her as the other characters do. Then I use third person for the stories in which I want to focus on all characters and elements. I use third person a lot when writing about animals, and first many times when my humans tell stories, but whenever I am doing a full length novel I use third person view because using first person I felt the stories would be lacking a lot by only really getting to see one part of the story when every character in these books are really important to the whole of the adventure.
Personally I love both types of viewpoints so I am not particular for one or the other so I use what feels right to my story. Sometimes I try part of the story out in both viewpoints and choose the one I feel is best for it. I did this for my fourth book in my series where I started writing a part of it in third person viewpoint but looking at it I felt like the character wouldn't be as likable by the reader this way and felt it was best if she told the story so the reader could really get to know her.
I also write a little bit in second person, but not for my series and of course this one is being written as a standalone adventure since this isn't the kind of viewpoint that can be switched to the way first and third viewpoints can.

Teshelle wrote: "I think it really depends on your story and your characters. Third person adds distance, which some stories need and which, as was mentioned before, adds elements like mystery. First person pulls t..."

Interesting interpretation, Teshelle.

Jennifer wrote: "I tend to use both in my books but then again I also write in short story form. My first book has mostly first person but one story is in third because it felt more natural to the story. I definite..."

Several valid points, Jennifer. Nice.

Indeed! :)

There are many modes you can write in and I think it depends on what you feel comfortable with and what best conveys the story. I wrote my book in third person subjective, from the views of three key characters.

My reading of your question is whether it is wise to change from first to third person between scenes or chapters. I think one would have to be a very skilled writer to accomplish this in a credible way. However, as the article in wikipedia notes (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narrativ...) there are examples of this being accomplished. Probably worth reading the books to see how they did it. It looks like there are no fixed rules when one is skilled and creative.

I'm trying to stay in third person as possible. I rarely use first person. I don't think anyone has used second person in their writings.

I've read a book or two (or one) that was written in second person. I cannot tell you the name of the work, but I know that they exist. ;P