Thread: Switching between 1st and 3rd POV

Hopefully this is the right category to post under

I am currently in the beginning stages of a novel, and I am doing two POV's, but one is first person and second is third person.

Vague example:

Chapter One: My day was going along smoothly, but I needed to find something interesting to do. I like reading, and I like writing, but I don't like karate. I, I, I, me, my, mine.

Chapter Two: He walked into the room, and he didn't like what he saw. He was mad too, so he did something about it. He, his, his, him

Chapter Three: I don't like this color, and I don't want to stay up all night, and I don't like this guy. I, me, me, me, mine.

Chapter Four: He made some pancakes, and then drank a gallon of coffee. He decided to call Sarah and let her know exactly how he felt. He, his, him, him, his

Hah, just ran through this example pretty quick, sorry about that. Of course, my chapters are a lot longer but this is the general idea. When beginning the second chapter I tried to write it in first person, but the words would not cooperate. The story just took on a mind of it's own, and while I think it is coming along smoothly I worry what my readers would think about it.

Thanks for any input on this, and again... this was a very vague example.

If you are consciously choosing to do this and are an amazing author, I might enjoy it. I'll probably be confused/frustrated. If you are choosing this because the story makes you do it -- I think that's a sign that you should just write the whole thing in third.

Can you explain WHY this alternating POV is ideal/necessary for your story? If not, I definitely say avoid it.

I cannot tell you a good reason why I am doing it, it just happened. I started to go back and rewrite, but decided to get a second opinion. This second character is being stubborn with how he wants his story told. So you do think the story would come out well if I did 1st and 3rd (if I am an amazing author), or it will be too difficult to pull off? I prefer 1st if I had to choose between the two, btw. And thank you for replying.

Alternating point of view on a chapter by chapter basis is fine, although if the "I" and "he" pronouns refer to the same person then you may need to find some way to make that clear. A shared, unique description, perhaps, or something else that links the two viewpoints.

It sounds intriguing, but I would not be comfortable doing it. Is Sarah the I in chapter 1? I suppose if you do it well enough and the writing is demanding it then perhaps it will read well, only you will know when you write then review.

I completely scratched the second chapter I was writing in 3rd, and after fighting with him a few paragraphs he relented and accepted 1st. I am satisfied right now, and will post the chapter when I am courageous. On second thought, I would rather send it to one critic than letting everyone see it. Anybody up to read it? I'll message it/email it to you.