A Novel written in 1st or 3rd person...? - Writers Forum

female_writer · 04-16-2007, 07:09 AM

1.. Which do you find more enjoyable?

2. Which do you find easier to read?

3. Also...which do you feel is (would be) easier to write, and why?

Im actually considering re-writing my Manuscript in first person after reading The Bell Jar (UGH!

)

nineteen · 04-16-2007, 07:13 AM

you alsways ask nice questions. i'm starting to love writing in first person myself.

1. depends first person can really draw you in, make you feel for someone. but i can also narrow your view of thier world.

2. i'd say first is prorobly easier to read. but then i assocciate with book for very young people.

3.i find first is easier to write if i'm wirting a charachter story. but i'd say it depends. i mean i can't think of any novels who's name i rember that are written in first. most are written in third beacuse i think it's easier to tell a story. bit in a short story i think first works really well.

that's my view.

Foxee · 04-16-2007, 07:42 AM

Interesting Q's! I'll take a shot at them...
1.. Which do you find more enjoyable? Either as long as I can immerse myself in the story. If I'm thinking about the prose it's not good enough.

2. Which do you find easier to read? see answer #1

3. Also...which do you feel is (would be) easier to write, and why? I think 3rd is easier (for me) because that's what I was most familiar with writiing. I've been experimenting with first person short stories and am growing to love that POV.

I Idiom · 04-16-2007, 08:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by female_writer

1.. Which do you find more enjoyable?

2. Which do you find easier to read?

3. Also...which do you feel is (would be) easier to write, and why?

Im actually considering re-writing my Manuscript in first person after reading The Bell Jar (UGH!

)

I like to slip between the two as seamlessly as possible. Other than that, I have no actual preference. Could just be me, though...

As for which do I find easier to write? Hm, I dunno, it matters by what point you're trying to make. Switching between the two in a large paragraph can sink you more into the mood/thoughts of the character. Again though, it has to be a seamless transition or it comes across as clunky.

BillinNC · 04-16-2007, 10:54 AM

I prefer first person..you're immersed with the character--you get their insight as to how they feel...

As for writing, I like to write first person..again you can get inside the characters head. However, with third you're able to do more with the story.

Hope that helps

dwellerofthedeep · 04-16-2007, 11:55 AM

1. Usually 3rd person, but I don't really have anything against 1st person.

2. 3rd person.

3. 3rd person. I believe, that, unless I'm playing a role like an actor, 1st persn does not cme out right. This results in me finding some difficulty in it.

snorrie · 04-16-2007, 12:21 PM

I prefer to write in 3rd because in 1st person, unless you're a talented writer,its difficult to get the reader to identify themselves as the main character. I find 1st person quite annoying actually unless its a biography or memoir because I know who I am and in essesence the main character(1st person) will automatically clash with the reader's own character. Hope this makes sense. And espcially avoid second person. That can be a really annoying read. Good luck.

Rob · 04-16-2007, 01:24 PM

1.. Which do you find more enjoyable?

I like either, as long as the story is well written.

2. Which do you find easier to read?

I don't have a problem reading either, no real preference.

3. Also...which do you feel is (would be) easier to write, and why?

Both are easy to do badly. Last time this question came up I checked my stories and found I had a tendency to write first person more than third, something I wasn't aware of. Those were all short stories, mind, nothing longer.

Cheers,
Rob

mammamaia · 04-16-2007, 07:18 PM

Quote:

1.. Which do you find more enjoyable?

...third, by far!... only a very rare few of even the most accomplished/successful writers can do first well enough to make it a good read...

Quote:

2. Which do you find easier to read?

...ditto above...

Quote:

3. Also...which do you feel is (would be) easier to write, and why?

...either can be 'easier' to write, depending on the writer and his/her mood and expertise... sadly, many new writers seem to think it's easier and don't realize how badly they do it, or know how few book/mag-buying readers, agents and publishers like stories written in first...

Quote:

Im actually considering re-writing my Manuscript in first person after reading The Bell Jar (UGH!

)

why on earth would you?... plath was suicidal and serioulsy mentally ill when she wrote what is largely an auto-bio... and it's not all that comfy a read for most non-insane readers, despite her renown as a poet...

female_writer · 04-16-2007, 08:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mammamaia

...third, by far!... only a very rare few of even the most accomplished/successful writers can do first well enough to make it a good read...

...ditto above...

...either can be 'easier' to write, depending on the writer and his/her mood and expertise... sadly, many new writers seem to think it's easier and don't realize how badly they do it, or know how few book/mag-buying readers, agents and publishers like stories written in first...

why on earth would you?... plath was suicidal and serioulsy mentally ill when she wrote what is largely an auto-bio... and it's not all that comfy a read for most non-insane readers, despite her renown as a poet...

Thank you, this really made sense. The funny thing is- I didnt really connect to the main character but couldnt figure out why until you all helped me figure it out here.

Thank you all....every single one of your posts was invaluable to me in making my descison.

crazed scribe · 04-17-2007, 02:52 PM

1+2.)I enjoy both and write in both persons (don't know if that's good grammar but oh well).
3)Technically I think they're the same difficulty but i'd say 3rd person because you need to include more detail.