Point of View

As you are writing, it can be difficult deciding which point of view to use in your story.

For clarity:

1st person = 'I'he tale is told from the point of view of the character.

2nd person = The tale addresses the reader directly.

3rd person = The tale explains events through 'he did/she did' - omniscient observer.

But which should you use?

It's all about the level of 'closeness' you wish to achieve with your reader. Here, I used second person to address you (the reader) as I am trying to convey information directly to you. Though it can be very challenging to write in second person for long periods of time, that's part of the fun. For those who have read my novel, the story takes place in third person as we follow the plot from the perspectives of many different characters in different locations. If I had written in first person this could have been confusing for the reader as they might have forgotten which character's point of view they were reading the story from. However, I keep the reader close to the characters by utilising limited third person, which means I stuck closely to a chosen character's point of view while still engaging with them on a 'he/she' basis.

Writing in first person is the most manageable and most relatable point of view to navigate; it provides an intimate understanding of events, and there is no confusion between characters.

When writing, it's best to consider where you want the reader to be. In the character's head, chatting to the character or watching the events unfold like a play. This will help you settle on the point of view that best suits your work.