I’ve taken the plunge and started writing Book #3!
I’m beyond excited about this one. It’s historical fiction about another amazing, yet under-appreciated female ruler. I’m seeing a trend here- all of my books are about women who have been shoved into the corners of history simply because they were female. It’s about time their stories were heard.
And this new woman definitely has her own voice, so much so that her novel is my first foray into writing first person POV. I think the sum total of my first person writing before now capped at 500 words. But her story was in first person as soon as it started unraveling in my head. It just flows out my fingers and onto my computer screen.
Yep, that’s about as perfect as Reese’s chocolate peanut butter ice cream.
I enjoy reading both first and third person, but have always written in third. I had a friend once who refused to read first because she didn’t want just one person’s perspective. Do you have any first or third person hang-ups?
Congratz on starting in on book three! What a HUGE accomplishment! I've met folks who don't care for 1st person, but I've always liked it. It's tough to write, though, because it's so limited. In my first book I used 1st for protag and close 3rd for the other. This is highly unusual (I found out later), but you have to go what feels right.
VR- I've read a couple books that did that- it seemed to work for me as a reader. I know I always feel closer to characters in 1st, but enjoy a lot of 3rd person books as well. I guess each just has to be done right!
Whoa, you're a writing machine these days. How exciting to be on your third book and loving it.
I think the story and character dictate the voice. At least that's what I've found. I seem to start writing in one or the other naturally.
First and close third are essentially identical.
Anything but second person! Or, for the ultimate torture, second person with POV switches.
My first 2 MS were 3rd, but all the others have been 1st and I enjoy reading both. Although, I do think I have a special spot for 1st.
Good luck with the new book!
I enjoy reading both, so I am not bothered by it. I have written both ways as well.
Good luck with #3, I know it will be fabulous. I look forward to reading the first two, so get published already. lol
I read both and write both but I think I prefer 1st person for both because it is more intimate.
And book 3? Holy cow! What's the status on book 2 because that seemed lightning quick?!
Book #3? Wow, I like the ambition! Very cool:) P.S. I just did the Samaria Gorge…wow, I can't believe you took a kid through there, it was hard enough as an adult:)
I've written a short story in first person, simply because it refused to be written in any other POV. It was an interesting experience.
Good for you for starting book #3! I'm agog with admiration.
Either POV is fine with me when I read, but I prefer writing 1st.
Go Stephanie! Book 3~ woohoo!
I love first person, it really allows me to plow around in my main character's head.
Congratulations on starting the third book, I can't wait to hear more about the subject.
It sometimes takes me a while to get into reading third person, and I prefer to write in first. Third person just never feels like it has enough pov for me when I write it, so I'll have to figure out what it is I'm missing.
Great post!
I love reading and writing in first person. Amy Tan's novels are in first, and she manages to tell more than one woman's perspective by dividing the novel artfully into segments. A writer can dig so deeply into a character if the narrative is told in first that, if done well, can have enormous impact on the reader. It's so personal.
The best advice I ever read on writing in first person was an article in Writer's Digest. It was called "Use Your Eye, Not Your 'I'." I think the article was about writing memoirs, but that advice stands true for strong fiction told in first, too, I think.
Book #3, nice! Best of luck with it. As always, girl power. ;]
I probably read more first person fiction than third person (even though I write 3rd person) but not because I prefer it. I just don't really care one way or the other.
Wow, awesome for you! How do you manage teaching, kids, and writing? I have a hard time keeping all the balls up in the air and the writing always loses. 🙁 Glad it is going well for you!
I enjoy first and third equally. I am drawn in by the story itself or by lyrical writing style. The POV is not much of a distraction for me either way. Besides, sounds like she is telling you how to write her story whether you like it or not! 😀
Congrats on starting book #3!! I must admit to being in awe of that accomplishment– like Dangerous With a Pen, writing seems to be on the losing end when I'm struggling with time management.
You're my role model, Stephanie!!!
Congrats on starting book three!!
I write mostly in first person but do have a couple of manuscripts in 3rd person. At this point I'm more drawn to 1st person as a writer. I think it partly depends on how you want to tell the story.
Good luck with your new project!
Hi, Stephanie!
I haven't written in 1st person yet, but I'm toying with the idea of it for my next WIP.
I have an award for you at my blog today (cuz ya know if I get one, YOU get one!) 🙂
Steph, I also have a little something for you over at my place. Enjoy!
Tried my first novel in first person and will never do it again. I so respect those of you who can do it. Maybe I just had the wrong character or the wrong story, but it was awful. Course, the whole book was. LOL
Saw the title of your blog and had to check you out. So glad I did. I love historicals.
For me it's usually about the story and the author's skill. 1st person is hard – but very enjoyable when its done well. Sounds like its flowing really well for you – good luck!
This sounds just like me and Helen! I'm excited! I hope you'll share some info on book two with us soon, now that you have book three in the works! You are really powering through!
I always hated reading first person and wouldn't even think of writing in it. I thought it just seemed ametuerish and like an easy way out. TWILIGHT was the first book I read in first person. Then I started reading more and now I think I prefer it.
I was also in a similar situation to you. My first book is in third person. When I started writing my second book, it wasn't even a choice I made — it just started coming to me in first person. Now, I too am getting ready to start wrting a third book (congrats by the way) and that too will be in first.
Also, I love the Hatshepsut theme. I was really interested in her myself when studying ancient Egypt.
books on history are my favourite, for reading and for translating, and those with female rulers are always especially interesting.