First or Third Person?

NaNo starts in 5 days and I’m trying to decide which POV to go with…again. When I wrote this the first time, I couldn’t decide and kept alternating it depending on the chapter. I’d like it to be consistent this time. 🙂

I was leaning towards first person, since I’ve decided to only write from one character’s POV, but I’m hesitant. Traditionally, my first person writing well, sucks 😛 I know, I know practice makes perfect but I think I’m called more towards being a third person writer, at least now.

Then I thought, I could write first person for the bulk of the story and third person when my character becomes Yuki-onna. But that might get confusing and I’m not entirely sure I’m good enough to pull it off.

But it is NaNo and it’s the perfect time for experimentation right? I guess I just want to come away at the end of this one with something that has even just a shred of promise to it…maybe that’s why I’m stressing about it.

Ugh. 😛 This is supposed to be fun!

First Person vs Third Person

I don’t really have much to post about today; I think my mind has gone into hibernation mode or something recently.

Anyway, I was wondering: which POV do you prefer to write in? First person or third person? I like third person myself. For some reason that’s what comes easiest to me. That’s probably why I’m really struggling with writing my current WiP since I’ve switched over to first person for it. I’ve tried it in third and it does work in some ways…but I think it’ll be stronger in first. That is, if I can learn how to write in first person.

I’m sure over time I’ll get the hang of it. For now, it’s a painful process trying to find that voice that doesn’t sound forced.

How do you learn to write in different viewpoints? Is it just practice, talent or a little bit of both? 🙂

Changing Point of View

Initially I was going to write Lady of the Snow in first person. I thought that would be the best way to write the book since it’s about her.

But recently I decided to see what third person would be like, since that’s what I write in most often, and I found I liked it. A lot.

With third person, I’d add a few other viewpoint characters–two in the first segment and two in the second (not counting the obvious one of Miyuki). I think I may have an easier time hitting the word count goal I’ve set for myself that way as well as having a few minor subplots. The first person one didn’t really give me all that much room to work with in the subplot area.

Anyway it’s still not a decision I’ve made for certain, but I know I’m more comfortable with writing in third person. Not that I should always stick with what’s comfortable but perhaps this will be best for the story.

I don’t know 😛 Guess I’ll write a few chapters in third and perhaps in first and then see which one fits best!

So, which POV do you employ most when writing? First or third person? Which do you prefer reading?