| POV - the ruin of many newbie writers | |
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Brenda Hill, Admin Admin
Posts : 175 Join date : 2014-10-23 Location : SoCal
| Subject: POV - the ruin of many newbie writers Fri Oct 24, 2014 8:27 pm | |
| How many understand it? Along with structure, it's a huge reason for a rejection letter. We'll talk about it in the workshop, probably after the first of the year. But if anyone would like to try to explain it now, post here. I'm sure it'll help many writers. Writers Workshop | |
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Brenda Hill, Admin Admin
Posts : 175 Join date : 2014-10-23 Location : SoCal
| Subject: Re: POV - the ruin of many newbie writers Sat Jan 03, 2015 3:59 am | |
| Now that so many writers are self-publishing, I'm noticing more and more novels, usually ebooks, with 'POV drifts,' and downright disregard for industry standard rules concerning POV. Some writers handle the drift pretty well - in other words it's not too jarring - but some are blatant in their amateurish handling of this particular technique.
Has anyone here noticed the same thing? If so, how do you feel about it? | |
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Domenic Pappalardo
Posts : 27 Join date : 2016-01-21
| Subject: Re: POV - the ruin of many newbie writers Wed Jan 27, 2016 11:22 am | |
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Last edited by Domenic Pappalardo on Mon Feb 01, 2016 10:18 am; edited 1 time in total | |
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Brenda Hill, Admin Admin
Posts : 175 Join date : 2014-10-23 Location : SoCal
| Subject: Re: POV - the ruin of many newbie writers Wed Jan 27, 2016 9:14 pm | |
| Sol Stien is a master. I agree with that, Domenic, as well as most of your comments about POV.
Not sure I agree with everything. A writer can certainly change the POV in a story. It just takes a little planning and knowing how to go from one POV to another without jarring the reader.
I totally agree one should learn the art/craft of writing. And I absolutely agree that a writer should always try to improve. Unfortunately, with self-publishing so easy, that doesn't always happen.
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Domenic Pappalardo
Posts : 27 Join date : 2016-01-21
| Subject: Re: POV - the ruin of many newbie writers Wed Jan 27, 2016 9:53 pm | |
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Last edited by Domenic Pappalardo on Mon Feb 01, 2016 10:18 am; edited 1 time in total | |
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Brenda Hill, Admin Admin
Posts : 175 Join date : 2014-10-23 Location : SoCal
| Subject: Re: POV - the ruin of many newbie writers Thu Jan 28, 2016 12:24 am | |
| We completely disagree about the all-seeing-eye, which, if I'm understanding what you're saying, is the omniscient POV. In my experience, that POV distances the reader from the story, and I was taught not to use it. I have examples of the different POVs on my writers tips page. Years ago, the omniscient POV was common, and many novels, even classics, were written in that style. I doubt they'd be published today.
I change POV in a couple of my novels easily. Of course that was after many classes and several years studying the craft of writing. You just don't change within the same scene. With Full Malice is a crime novel, and I have my main character's POV as well as the cop's. So yes, it can be done.
You're so right about anyone who wants can self-publish today. I've had a number of those books sent to me for reviews and I can't read most of them. I've hurt several authors' feelings because of that, but that's the way it is.
I don't know if you can write, but you seem to be determined to do so, and have or are studying the craft. That's a huge step in the right direction, so go for it! | |
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Domenic Pappalardo
Posts : 27 Join date : 2016-01-21
| Subject: Re: POV - the ruin of many newbie writers Thu Jan 28, 2016 1:48 am | |
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Last edited by Domenic Pappalardo on Mon Feb 01, 2016 10:19 am; edited 1 time in total | |
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Brenda Hill, Admin Admin
Posts : 175 Join date : 2014-10-23 Location : SoCal
| Subject: Re: POV - the ruin of many newbie writers Thu Jan 28, 2016 5:04 pm | |
| Domenic, do you intend on finishing this book? Is Jonah the main character, or is this book about different characters?
I see what you mean about the viewpoint; however, after opening with the omniscient POV, you narrow it to Jonah's, which was a popular style for years. Even though the style today is a faster pace, your scene is intriguing, and your details well-written. If I were a member of your critique group - if you had one - I'd read further, which is saying quite a lot. I've dropped out of several critique groups, even one I led, because I couldn't summon enough interest to even want to read past the first page, and I certainly didn't want to critique. My on-going responses were mainly, "Take some writing classes, or at least read some 'How-tos,' then join a critique group." | |
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Domenic Pappalardo
Posts : 27 Join date : 2016-01-21
| Subject: Re: POV - the ruin of many newbie writers Thu Jan 28, 2016 7:57 pm | |
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Last edited by Domenic Pappalardo on Mon Feb 01, 2016 10:20 am; edited 1 time in total | |
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Brenda Hill, Admin Admin
Posts : 175 Join date : 2014-10-23 Location : SoCal
| Subject: Re: POV - the ruin of many newbie writers Thu Jan 28, 2016 9:25 pm | |
| Sounds as if you're talking to the wrong people. Look how the movies about the Bible are popular, from the old Cecil B. DeMille's movies, which I still watch and love, to the recent Roma Downey's the Bible.
I find the subject intriguing and would love to read more stories written from/by the scrolls. Although I haven't done a major study, I know about the Council of Nicaea and how they decided what to include in the Bible.
Lost or hidden scrolls are fascinating. Ken Barnett writes stories along those lines, and even tho he thinks I tear them apart - Don't you, Ken? - I actually love them and only want to see his writing improve. If they were published by a reputable publisher and properly edited, they'd be dynamite.
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Domenic Pappalardo
Posts : 27 Join date : 2016-01-21
| Subject: Re: POV - the ruin of many newbie writers Thu Jan 28, 2016 11:42 pm | |
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| POV - the ruin of many newbie writers | |
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