Each month I take a moment to pause and share a few things I’ve found to be helpful and fun along the adventure of living and writing well.
I hope you find them to be enlightening and encouraging!
Article Round Up: Writing Point of View
Writing point of view (or POV) refers to the narrator of a story and how the story is told.
- First person narration is when we are inside the narrator’s head.
- Second person (rarely used) is when the narrator is talking to the audience directly.
- Close third person/limited is when the narration follows a character closely and has limited knowledge.
- Distant third person/omniscient is when the narration is further removed from the characters and knows information the characters would not.
Each of these POV styles has different pros and cons. Different styles may suit various stories and authors better- so it’s worth it to familiarize ourselves with them and experiment to see what works for us.
Point of view is important! Being conscientious of POV will make our stories stronger. Nothing kills a story faster than “head hopping” and confusing narration.
Here are some great resources on writing point of view- enjoy!
The Ultimate Point of View Guide – The Write Practice
- This is a really great and extensive article walking us through the differences between different points of view, including examples and common pitfalls. Advice from an experienced editor who knows what he’s talking about.
First Person Point of View: A Writer’s Guide – Reedsy
- Great info and advice on when and how to use the first person POV. Reedsy has great posts on other POVs too so look for related topic links.
Through My Eyes. Or Your Eyes. Or Somebody’s Eyes. POV Basics – Fiction University
- This post explains the differences between POV types and examines common pitfalls to be aware of.
How to Effectively Write from Multiple POVs – Hannah Heath
- Getting into writing from multiple POVs can get complicated fast. Yet when done well, it can be incredibly powerful.
Book Review: Story Grid by Shawn Coyne
Note: Links for this book are affiliate links which means if you purchase something I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Don’t worry, I only recommend things I actually like! For more info see my site policy.
The Story Grid: What Good Editors Know is a phenomenal resource for writers, especially those who are looking to learn to revise and make their writing stronger.
Shawn Coyne has worked as an editor with hundreds of successful books and has a seriously huge amount of expertise to share. And he is eager to share it!
In The Story Grid, Coyne teaches the framework he has used as an editor. He walks us through how to decide what makes a story “work” and how to identify what isn’t working. He breaks down the critical parts of each genre and pinpoints what we need to write strong stories.
I enjoyed taking a look at this book, but Coyne has actually made tons of this info (and more) available for free on his website.
So definitely check it out! Whether you have finished drafts you want to make better or you’re looking to have a good framework in place before starting your next project, there is plenty for us all to learn here.
Recipe of the Month: Slow Cooker Texas Pulled Pork
Slow cooker for the win! This is one of those recipes you can throw together in the morning and leave all day until dinner is magically ready for you and delicious. We recently used this recipe for a family gathering and it was a hit! Hope you enjoy it too. 🙂
Self-Care Homework:
Get some fresh air today, even if it’s only opening the window for a moment. Breath in the warm, cold, wet, stinky, fresh, whatever-it-is outside air! And take a moment for yourself. <3
Writing Prompt:
Practice writing something you don’t do often. Poetry? Journaling? Non-fiction essay? Fantasy? An ABC book? Stretch those creative muscles and try something new.
Pure Cuteness: Reading Dog <3
Quote:
“Plot is people. Human emotions and desires founded on the realities of life, working at cross purposes, getting hotter and fiercer as they strike against each other until finally there’s an explosion—that’s Plot.”
Leigh Brackett
Happy writing and joyous living to you all! Feel free to send me a note with any questions or to say hi anytime!
