While our blogmate, Kathryn Lilley, is on medical hiatus, we’re opening up the Kill Zone on Tuesdays for general questions, comments and discussions. If you have a question about writing, publishing or any other related topic, ask away in our comments section. We’ll do our best to get you an answer.
And don’t forget you can download a copy of FRESH KILLS, Tales from the Kill Zone to your Kindle or PC today.
I’ve noticed this weekend that about 70% of the new releases I picked up at the bookstore had the narrative written in the first person. Is this a new trend? What gives?
Matthew, I don’t discern a trend. So for writers, the normal POV issues apply. First Person is great for intimacy, but has perils (such as “running off at the mouth” syndrome). Still, when it’s done well (as in, say, Raymond Chandler) it’s my favorite.
Hmmm…interesting. First person is certainly popular in YA but I am not sure it’s a widening trend -other kill zoners? Have you noticed first person being used more?
Jim – you must have posted simultaneously with me:) – I agree that when done well first person is great but it a very limiting POV so I think it’s a challenge to use effectively.
When you guys do a project in third person, do you ever use first person to kind of monologue and get a deeper feel for what the character is feeling? even if you’re going to write the actual draft in third person?
I use a “voice journal” to get into my characters. I start writing out a stream-of-consciousness document in their voice (1st person) and let it happen. Soon, it begins to take on individuality. Whether I’m in 1st or 3d, it helps me get inside them.
I’m not sure I’ve read a book like this but I’ve been hearing that some writers are using first person along with third person in their books. I’m wondering if first person in the villains head only and third person for the rest of a book could work. It may be for the more experienced to write.
Jillian, James Patterson started doing this mix years ago. First person for protagonist, then jump to 3d. The reason is obvious: cliffhangers. That is a “no no” for purists, but readers don’t seem to care. Personally, I like to keep POV consistent.
I don’t mind shifting POVs as long as its done well.
Thanks Jim and Clare,
Another question. Last week Joe posted about Is #2 more important than #1 or something like that. I have to have my second book in a series in by December 1st and am currently writing my first fast draft of this book. Of course hindsight is 20/20. This is going to be challenging for me when I return to my day job the end of July. In the future, what have you all found to be the ideal amount of time to write the first fast draft, revise and revise and then turn it in? I’ve got to get more savvy at this.
Jillian…I try to do a first draft in 3 months. Then a month of self-editing (the process is described in my book on the subject). The house edits will follow. I also spend time noodling and outlining before I start the first draft. How much time I take varies, but of course I’m mindful of the deadlines as I map out my schedule.
Thanks Jim,
I’ll have to look at your self-editing book again. I’m reviewing Plot and Structure now for the
10th time at least.:) I keep the Art of War for Writers in my purse in case I’m stuck in the check out line at the grocery store.