Hey, I know I've been inactive for a while, but writing these fics doesn't pay the bills, and I've had to focus on helping out at home. I've completed nine chapters so far, but the problem is that the point of view is mixed throughout.
Before moving forward, I want to get your input on how you prefer the story to be told:
Which POV style do you want?
First-person only
Third-person limited only
A mix of both
Here's a breakdown of each option:
First-person only:
Pros:
Creates a strong, intimate connection with the main character since you experience everything through their eyes and thoughts.
Allows for deep exploration of their emotions, motivations, and personal growth, making the narrative feel authentic and immersive.
Keeps the story focused and consistent, avoiding confusion over shifting perspectives.
Cons:
Limits the story to what the main character sees, hears, and understands, which can restrict the scope of the narrative.
Makes it difficult to reveal the thoughts, plans, or feelings of other important characters unless they are explicitly shared with the narrator.
May feel claustrophobic if the story requires a broader view of events or multiple character arcs.
Third-person limited only:
Pros:
Provides some distance from the main character, which can make it easier to present their actions and flaws objectively.
Allows the story to follow different characters' perspectives within each scene or chapter, expanding the scope and complexity of the narrative.
Offers flexibility to describe scenes and events the main character is not directly involved in, enriching world-building and plot development.
Cons:
Can reduce emotional intimacy since the reader is not inside the character's direct thoughts as much as first-person.
Might feel less personal or immersive if the narrative voice lacks the depth of a direct internal perspective.
Requires careful management to maintain consistency and avoid head-hopping or confusion between characters' viewpoints.
Mix of both first-person and third-person limited:
Pros:
Combines the best of both worlds—deep connection through first-person sections and broader narrative scope through third-person scenes.
Allows flexibility in storytelling, letting you zoom in closely on the main character when needed and pull back to explore other characters or events at other times.
Adds layers to the narrative structure, potentially increasing engagement and depth.
Cons:
Increases the risk of confusing the reader if transitions between POVs are not clear or consistent.
Can disrupt narrative flow and emotional connection if the shifts are too frequent or poorly timed.
Demands strong writing discipline to balance voice, tone, and pacing across different perspectives.
I appreciate your input. Please vote or share your thoughts so I can shape the story in a way that works best for everyone.