As I’ve mentioned the writing style I’ve adopted for BirthRight is apparently rather unique. I didn’t think anything of it when I began so when my first beta reader said ‘weird, takes a few pages to get used to’, it was like being dashed with cold water. Rather a shock.
I have multiple POV changes. I’ve utilized it with the intention of giving the reader a ‘rounder’ view of the story and characters. It also keeps the story going at a nice pace. If you imagine a group of five people in a circle telling a story. Each person puts in their piece. It might be a few paragraphs and it may just be a sentence – an off hand observation from another character whilst one of them is doing something. Here’s an excerpt as an example.
“So what are you thinking?” Sian called to me, from over a couple of rows.
“Maybe an elve? Like from Lord of the Rings”. I frowned as I looked over a couple of pieces, “I’m not sure if I’ll go as a character I think I’ll just make it look fantasyish. Good thing I have the boots already”. I grinned at Sian .
A groan rose from the three of them and my grin widened. “What? They’re the perfect style”.
“We’re gonna have to bury you in those boots aren’t we Cat?” Asked Kassie, a sardonic expression on her face. “Yes and I expect an open casket so everyone can admire them”, I wrinkled my nose, poking my tongue out at her. Sian started laughing. “Oh god I just had the best visual of you as a little old lady in a coffin in a mini-skirt and thigh-highs”.
“What if we just get them cremated and put in a box beside you?” Suggested Loi with a wicked gleam. “Not all of us are five eight Miss Loi”, I replied in a snippy tone “I like my legs looking long and slim!” Not that I could complain when standing next to Kass and Sian but still. At five, five my legs are pretty decent. My gorgeous black suede, thigh high boots, however, make them look that much longer. And sexier. It’s my guaranteed head turner.
Kassie ignored the girls as they continued to tease Cat about those boots of hers. What the heck can I wear? Kassie thought, I hate costume parties! She kept dragging piece after piece down the rack, shuddering at the squeal of the metal hangers on the pole. Ooooh, she froze for a moment staring at it. That might be it!
“Well then how about this?”
Sian glanced up, wondering what Kassie had come up with this time. A pretty summer dress hung from the hanger. A beautiful blue/gold shade in a sleeveless, draped style. “That’s gorgeous!” Sian was impressed. “We’ll make you a Greek goddess!”
“No lets make her Ce’Nedra from the Belgarid – we can dye her hair red”, suggested Cat. “Don’t want to be the only red-head?” teased Loi. Cat gave her a narrow look “I love been the only red-head thank you. I’m just too tall for Ce’Nedra”.
It’d be nice to be too tall for something, thought Sian . Being so petite meant that shopping for clothes was a nightmare for her (and Kassie – though having curves made it a little easier). Most the time she had to shop in the children section. Actually I might have to do that, she thought as she looked at the few items left in the size six section. Then she spotted it. Hell yes!
“Look!” Squealed Sian , “lookee!”
Loi stared at the item Sian was clutching, gushing in delight over.
A pleather romper suit.
What the heck was she going to do with that? Loi’s mind went blank in astonishment. Out of the four of them Sian always had the most daring and usually sexy costumes. But this? “Siany”. Loi hesitated, “what are you going to do with it?”
“Oooohh!” We chorused in recognition
“Awesome idea!” I enthused. Sian loves the Underworld movies. It was perfect for her. I threw the items I’d selected in Loi’s trolley and went to help Sian look for leather pieces to create the corset. “Hurry guys!” Kassie called “we’ve got an hour before class starts”. Ugh. Jujitsu on a Saturday – this is what happens when you have too many hobbies. They don’t all fit into the work week.
My main critiquer – the amazing Kerrin *grin* (and if you’re into romance check out her site! She’s gonna be the romance writer) has issues with the number of POV’s. Namely she isn’t fond of it and is concerned that publishers will hate it. Which is totally fair enough, she possibly isn’t wrong. Of course it does ultimately come down to opinion and while K isn’t so into it the other beta readers I have like it.
So it leaves me wondering, am I having an American Idol moment? Do I think I’m the most amazing thing while people block their ears and run in horror? I really, really want to stick to ‘my style’ but at the same time if it’s awful I would want people to tell me. How many people telling you it won’t work should you listen to?
Which of course then brings up the examples of previous writers/scientists/inventors/explorers who even though the whole world it seemed was telling them they were wrong, still did it, and now are put on pedestals as examples to others who would achieve.
I guess in the end I have to like it and be able to live with it. After all, it’s my work that ends up immortalized…
I like multiple POV's. I feel like it could keep my a.d.d entertained. lol. Like you said, you have to do what you'll be happy with and what you'll be able to live with. That's really what it comes down to at the end of the day.
As long as there is a clear delineation between the POV handoff, either from formatting (little * * * between the sections or the voice is obviously different) I'm okay with using multiple POV's. I'm easily confused, though, so this has to be done carefully or I'll get frustrated.
I really enjoy multiple POV's. I read epic fantasy, and it pretty much has to be told through multiple point of views. Great excerpt! I think it's fine to switch as long as you put a space between the paragraphs like you do.
Multiple POV's sometimes work for me and sometimes don't. The wonderful chick-lit writer Susan Elizabeth Phillips always uses two POV's and I love them, can't get enough of them.
I love your story, I like the different POV's in this but I'm not sure I'd be able to handle it throughout the entire story, it might get too much for me, I guess I enjoyed a simple read.
Alphabet Weekends by Elizabeth Noble a lot of people loved, I was not a fan of them and she wrote from three POV's so I would say it really does come down to be based on preference!
I think this is something every writer struggles with; not necessarily POV changes, but if the style they are choosing is the right one.
It's important to remember that not everyone will be a fan of any one choice, so just because one person doesn't like it doesn't mean it doesn't work.
And some of the best books are ones in which the author made bold and unique choices. I've read brilliant books that some beta reader probably raised their eyebrows at and said, "It took me a while to get used to this style." I think that's okay. For some, that will be what keeps them reading.
Choose what feels right to you for this book, and it will feel right to the reader as well.
I've read a few books with multiple points of view (usually 2). I've also read a manuscript that has multiple points of view, I think 4 or 5. Only reading an excerpt here is trickier than starting at the beginning. And do you switch from 1st to 3rd? That might be confusing. The ones I've read are all in one person (first or third) and usually go chapter by chapter. This might be a good manuscript to show to an agent or editor at a conference.
I'm a fan of keeping it simple. My preference is strictly 3rd person for books that take in multiple POV, and 1st person only when I intend to follow that character to the grueling end. I'll be blogging about this very topic in a week: the Dickens infection.
On a separate note, did I ever tell you how much I like your blog title?
Hello everyone 🙂 Thanks for your comments and suggestions. I've decided to definitely plough on with 'my' method and see what happens *grin* Perhaps some of you will be interested in being Beta Readers when the current re-write is complete?? I'm a quarter of the way through! Woohoo!
And Happily Cheesy – thank you! I love the title lots too and it gets rather a few comments.
You are the expert on your material. It is difficult to answer when an objective opinion should be used to make adjustments. Are you an idle singer who only sounds good in the shower? Would a couple of lesions from a voice coach give you suggestions that would improve your chances at getting into the final round. On the other hand, maybe you sound good in the shower and good on stage. It is a calculated risk either way.
I’ll stay tuned….