g-paw

Over the years I've attempted to write prose, short stories and anecdotes, and I usually got stuck trying to write in the first person. It felt like I was talking to myself (sort of like writing in a forum).

Has anyone else encountered problems writing in first person? What was your solution?

What style do you prefer for your writing, first person or third? Why?

RomanticRose

I write in Multi-perspective Third person limited omniscent. (Only one POV character per scene.)

First person is difficult for me because of only being able to include things that the narrator has a way of knowing.

Non Serviam

I think I'm equally comfortable writing in first person and third person limited. I've had a go at third person omniscient but it's hard to do well.

I like first person because some of my favourite authors use it extensively.

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mwd

First person is fun. Just pretend the entire story is dialogue, since it basically is. Try writing as someone who speaks very differently than you would. Practice helps. I find first person to be more difficult than third person to do well, so it's not like you'll just be able to pick it up instantly.

Third person gives you more flexibility in terms of where you're focusing the reader's attention. But first person provides more intimacy. It's a trade off.

About half my stories are first person. When done well, I find it's very effective, and helps the reader relate to your character.

Ilasir Maroa

I've done both, sometimes third-person gets complicated, but you have more leeway. My current piece is in first-person, and it is fun. Another thing I do is write third person with commentary, which allows for more knowledge, and gives a memory/nostalgic feel to it.

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g-paw

Thanks for the replies. You've all given me more to consider.

After working with this novel over here, preparing it for publication, and my own odd blog entries over the past year, I'm almost considering writing my story.. before it's too late.

Sinilin

I try to write in third person but it's really hard. I always slip back to the first person's point of view. Still working on it... ^^