@DarthRavus As a reader, I don't care what POV the story is told from, so long as it's done well. But I probably skew more toward third as well, just because of its massive flexibility. And a close third can get you almost as deep into the narrator's head as first.
I don't think it's necessarily the narrator him/herself who has to be interesting. The story can be, too, in the case of Stephen King's 11/22/63, for instance. The main character(s) is/are a teacher and a realtor just living every day life...until strange and fascinating things happen to him. It's also a matter of how the author writes in general, as every one of King's details, from the mundane to the sublime and ridiculous, paints a vivid picture. I hope that made sense.
@elazarn2 I agree. The narrator's voice is, ultimately, the result of the author's voice. If the author can't bring the setting and plot to life, then the narrating character won't have a chance.
These videos and your book are so helpful! However, I wanted to ask you about getting involved in an editing career. I'm graduating next year from high school but I'm conflicted on which majors to take, do you have any suggestions?
Remember not to have the narrator speak too objectively about the story. These things happened to them, they should have effected them emotionally. They should also have certain biases for and against objects and places they interacted with. In a Sci-Fi story, it wouldn't do for the narrator to describe an oppressive technology that ruined his life in a clinical manner even if you don't want to foreshadow what is to come.
Great point!
I'm trying to get into writing and watching your videos a lot lately; they really do help!
Keep up the good work!
dragonrule100 1 month ago
@dragonrule100 Glad you're enjoying them! Thanks for watching.
KMWeiland 1 month ago
Eeyup. 100% love this one. I agree that this can work, but....you have SOOOOOO much more freedom in 3rd I find.
DarthRavus 1 month ago
@DarthRavus As a reader, I don't care what POV the story is told from, so long as it's done well. But I probably skew more toward third as well, just because of its massive flexibility. And a close third can get you almost as deep into the narrator's head as first.
KMWeiland 1 month ago
YES!! I haven't even passed the intro music and I love this video! (I hate first person....Grrrrr!!! makes me think of twilight (>_<) AHHHH)
DarthRavus 1 month ago
I don't think it's necessarily the narrator him/herself who has to be interesting. The story can be, too, in the case of Stephen King's 11/22/63, for instance. The main character(s) is/are a teacher and a realtor just living every day life...until strange and fascinating things happen to him. It's also a matter of how the author writes in general, as every one of King's details, from the mundane to the sublime and ridiculous, paints a vivid picture. I hope that made sense.
elazarn2 1 month ago
@elazarn2 I agree. The narrator's voice is, ultimately, the result of the author's voice. If the author can't bring the setting and plot to life, then the narrating character won't have a chance.
KMWeiland 1 month ago
Great advice. I enjoy first person novels when the narrator's voice is interesting.
Leonard33ful 1 month ago
@Leonard33ful Great first-person narrators are the stuff of literary legend. When done well, they're unforgettable.
KMWeiland 1 month ago
These videos and your book are so helpful! However, I wanted to ask you about getting involved in an editing career. I'm graduating next year from high school but I'm conflicted on which majors to take, do you have any suggestions?
bekah78006 1 month ago
@bekah78006 You'll want to major in English and probably get an MFA.
KMWeiland 1 month ago
Remember not to have the narrator speak too objectively about the story. These things happened to them, they should have effected them emotionally. They should also have certain biases for and against objects and places they interacted with. In a Sci-Fi story, it wouldn't do for the narrator to describe an oppressive technology that ruined his life in a clinical manner even if you don't want to foreshadow what is to come.
Sairin13 1 month ago
@Sairin13 Great point. The emotional responses of the narrator is what fuels the story. Without them, the whole thing falls flat.
KMWeiland 1 month ago
As always, short but sweet.
snake1141 1 month ago
@snake1141 Thanks for watching!
KMWeiland 1 month ago