Sabsz

I know this is a late post, but I have a question that regards POV.

In my novel, I'll be switching between two characters. Should I switch it up between paragraphs or chapters? I was leaning toward that when the POV is switched, the chapter would end. Any thoughts?

RebelGoddess

Too many POVs = When is becomes confusing and hard to follow.

Sabsz:

If I were you I'd go with changing POV with each chapter; changing it every aparagraph would get very confusing.

If you're concerned about one POV dominating or losing balance between the two another option is changing the POV at a natural break in the story, part way through the chapter. That way, each chapter (or most, or some) would have both POVs.

It's just an idea though.

I'd suggest taking one of your chapters (if it's already written) or writing a new one BOTH ways; that way you can see which one you like best and think fits with the story.

Good luck!

Racheal

__________________
Writing is life.

Writers' block doesn't exist. It's actually called work avoidance procrastination.
-Jasper Fforde

Sabsz

That's a good idea! (the take a chapter and write it in two POVs.) Excellent idea, I may try that some time.

Now, lets say Chapter 1 starts with Main Character A's POV but then I want to switch it to B's, should I just go:

8888 (as in a break in the page)
Or just transit it to her POV.

Hm, I don't think I'm explaining this right. I'll only do this if the characters aren't in the same place at the same time because that will get confusing. As in, which approach is better when my MC's are not together in a scene?

I usually use the: 8888 (page break.)

Is this profesisonal?

Thank you, RebelGoddess.

RebelGoddess

I understand what you mean, Sabsz.

I'm not sure what you mean by "8888", but I don't suggest using a page break.

I would just leave a space of text inbetween the two sections to show the change. What a lot of authors also do is put a symbol (such as -, *, ~, etc.) centered in the blank line to separate the two.

For example, if I were to use a '~" between two sections in a single chapter, it would look like this:
~
You see?

Another option is to identify the character each time you switch POV. I've seen it in a few novels, though it's not my favorite way. What you could do is, each time you switch, write the character's name before the text of the new section begins. Like so:

John; start the text here.

John - Start the text here.

As to your final question, yes, it is professional to have a switch between POV during a chapter if it is done smoothly.

Racheal

__________________
Writing is life.

Writers' block doesn't exist. It's actually called work avoidance procrastination.
-Jasper Fforde