Points of view - What style is best?

[Aussiegirl1]

Hi all,

I have used both first and third person points of view in my stories and was wondering what style readers liked the best.

I like first person because you can really get into the head of the character but I like to use third person when there are a more than one or two characters in a story. When I am reading a story I really don't mind what POV is used so long as the story flows and makes sense.

I would be interested in finding out what others think.

Aussiegirl1

[ssissyboy]

Hi all,

I have used both first and third person points of view in my stories and was wondering what style readers liked the best.

I like first person because you can really get into the head of the character but I like to use third person when there are a more than one or two characters in a story. When I am reading a story I really don't mind what POV is used so long as the story flows and makes sense.

I would be interested in finding out what others think.

Aussiegirl1
Ms Aussiegirl1
When I am reading a story, I enjoy the first person. I believe for the same reason you do. I tend to read stories about domination and humiliation. So I relate and enjoy the perspective of the person being dominated.
Just my thoughts
Sissy

[Tojo]

I personally prefer third person, maybe because it seems easier to do somehow. I've been dabbling a little in your stories & like what I see so far.

It seems to add more perspective, the third person- less of the 'I did this' & 'I felt that' sort of thing.

Having said that, it's quite the turn on hearing a female perspective on how she's feeling.

Tojo

[Aussiegirl1]

Tojo,Thanks for the positive comment on my stories. I still am totally amazed that readers seem to like what I write. It makes me want to keep on going.

Sissyboy, I do like to try to get into the head of the person being dominated in my stories, especially when it comes to what they are feeling. I feel it makes the story so much more personal.

It is interesting that already I have two different thoughts on what view is the best, both with very valid reasons.:)

Aussiegirl1

[Rabbit1]

I also like your stories ---and it is according to the story as what point of view is best---some are better in the first person while others in the third

you do well telling you stories ---do not change that Please

[Aussiegirl1]

Thanks Rabbit 1, you are too kind. :bigkiss:

I still don't know which style I like the best. I actually did my first few stories in third person and it was only when a reviewer asked why I hadn't used first person POV that I decided to try it.

I have also changed the POV from one character to another in some of my stories, which also seems to get a mixed response.

[Ruby]

I like stories where the POV changes.

However, I also like a nice mix.
It depends on the author and the story.
For example, the Anita Blake - vampire hunter books are all in first person - and after awhile, you just slip into her head and stay there. It's refreshing and scary.

[H Dean]

Hi all,

I have used both first and third person points of view in my stories and was wondering what style readers liked the best.

I like first person because you can really get into the head of the character but I like to use third person when there are a more than one or two characters in a story. When I am reading a story I really don't mind what POV is used so long as the story flows and makes sense.

I would be interested in finding out what others think.

Aussiegirl1
For me, it doesn't really matter what the POV is so long as it works with the story. Some stories work better from the third and some from the first. Third person does offer an option not allowed the first person - sight into any character - that the first person does not.

As you know, I have read and reviewed a few of your stories. So far, I have liked most of what I have read and offered commentary on your POV. Really, I don't think I have a preference for a certain POV. Instead, I have a preference for how that particular story should have been carried out.

I would recomend that you keep experimenting with your story telling. Taking chances on a story bombing in the reviews is not a bad plan. It will only make you better - especially if you have reviews that are helpful, telling you how, where and why your tale worked or didn't work.

*A quick amendment to my commentary: I do not like first person present tense. It's usually rather ungainly and lends to repetitiveness that can detract from a story's impact.

[Aussiegirl1]

[QUOTE=H Dean]
I would recomend that you keep experimenting with your story telling. Taking chances on a story bombing in the reviews is not a bad plan. It will only make you better - especially if you have reviews that are helpful, telling you how, where and why your tale worked or didn't work.

Thanks H Dean,
I do like reviews that tell you why someone did or didn't like the story. It certainly does make you aware of areas you might want to or need work on. I do like how in your reviews you try to explain the reason behind the score and make your views clear. It is then up to the author to take note or not.

I am more aware of my audience now, but instead of hindering me in my writing, I find it helps me to focus. I am becoming more confident in my topics and try to think of stories that are a bit different, though this is not always easy. The day making up stories becomes a chore is the day I decide to stop.

Aussiegirl:)

[Ozme52]

You should also look into which tense you use. I've been finding that first person is great... but becomes very powerful if you opt to write in the present tense. Then, instead of relating a tale, it's happening right here, right now.

It puts a limit on how you deal with other people in the story, which can be a fun challenge for the writer, because their thoughts and actions need to be expressed as the POV's perception of what happened.

Of course, one can switch back and forth... and even use a different POV for the supporting roles... but in that case, don't do it except at major break-points... like chapters, or scene changes.

[orchid]

i prefer writing in first person, as if it was happening to me at the time. but by no means am i an experienced writer - LOL - i just tend to write what i am thinking at the time and maybe go back and tweak it after that!

[Aussiegirl1]

i prefer writing in first person, as if it was happening to me at the time. but by no means am i an experienced writer - LOL - i just tend to write what i am thinking at the time and maybe go back and tweak it after that!

I have been using the first person POV in my last few stories and do like it. I don't think you have to be an experienced writer to know what you like.

You certainly do need go back and do some tweaking. It is interesting to go back to a story you haven't finished and re-read it a few weeks later, especially if you have forgotten what you have written! Keeps things fun.

[Tojo]

I still am totally amazed that readers seem to like what I write. It makes me want to keep on going

Oh I know exactly what you mean Aussiegirl! I sent one of mine to the friend I wrote it for & the comments she had from her friends & ex Doms were amazing.

I write mostly for myself, & to try & give something back to people- I've had a lot of enjoyment over the years from stories, beginning with the 'Adventures of Teri & Jennifer'.

It means a lot to get such great feedback. If only there were more hours in an Aussie day...

Tojo

[Aussiegirl1]

I write mostly for myself, & to try & give something back to people- I've had a lot of enjoyment over the years from stories, beginning with the 'Adventures of Teri & Jennifer'.

It means a lot to get such great feedback. If only there were more hours in an Aussie day...

Tojo

Hey there Tojo, I too have spent time enjoying the stories on this and other sites before I decided to see if I could write a story myself. Feedback is great and the more details you get the better.

As for more hours in an Aussie day, we certainly can't complain about the sunshine, but some days I just want to write and not do what I must do, like go to work. Oh well, we can only dream!
Aussiegirl

[Tojo]

Well let me tell you I've been retired for nearly 10 years- from full time work at least. I still don't seem to have any more time to do anything!

I believe the tasks expand to fill whatever time we have. :noprobs:


Tojo

[Aussiegirl1]

So True! There will never be enough time in the day to all we want to do.

[orchid]

i agree with your comment Aussiegirl, about going back and re-reading your story - i did this each time i sat down to write a new 'chapter' and i was amazed at how much i had already written...and sometimes, how it made me feel!!

[H Dean]

i agree with your comment Aussiegirl, about going back and re-reading your story - i did this each time i sat down to write a new 'chapter' and i was amazed at how much i had already written...and sometimes, how it made me feel!!What amazes me is how many mistakes I have made when I go and reread a previous chapter.

I am curious, incidentally, about the technique you all use for writing. I tend to write everything on notepad first. That keeps me away from having to fix mistakes - spelling errors, etc - and lets me get on with my story. That way I don't lose my flow. After I have finished the entire story I will go back and edit the story - still in notepad.

Then, after letting it ferment for a bit, I copy the entire story into Word and run a spell check. Then I edit it again, re-writing poorly phrased segments and possibly adding where it is needed.

After a final read through, I submit it chapter by chapter, editing again as I submit. I still let things slip through but my stories seem to be vastly better than the original - not that the finished product is particularly good, just better.

[Aussiegirl1]

I am curious, incidentally, about the technique you all use for writing. I tend to write everything on notepad first. That keeps me away from having to fix mistakes - spelling errors, etc - and lets me get on with my story. That way I don't lose my flow. After I have finished the entire story I will go back and edit the story - still in notepad.

Then, after letting it ferment for a bit, I copy the entire story into Word and run a spell check. Then I edit it again, re-writing poorly phrased segments and possibly adding where it is needed.

After a final read through, I submit it chapter by chapter, editing again as I submit. .

I hadn't thought of using notepad that way! I just use word from the start and yes, having to stop to fix up mistakes as you type can get annoying sometimes. I certainly try to read and re-read what I have written and have found my stories are better when I have left them for a while and then check them again. I also then submit a whole story chapter by chapter.

BTW, is there a quicker way when submitting a story then having to retype all the info on the submit page each time?

[Tojo]

Well I'm kind of 'out of the loop' somewhat, trying not to push myself to keep writing, while hoping not to lose it completely.

I've always used Word though, each time I go back to the story, I usually read through & check the mistakes before adding to it. It also refreshes my memory, as to 'what she's wearing' & so forth. Notepad sucks!

I'm not sure what you mean by having to fix mistakes on Word H Dean? It just does it! :)

I'm normally a very confident person in pretty much all areas of my life, but have a problem accepting the fact that people actually enjoy my stories.

Once I work that out, I might get back into the swing of things.

Tojo



Tojo

[Ozme52]

What amazes me is how many mistakes I have made when I go and reread a previous chapter.

I am curious, incidentally, about the technique you all use for writing. I tend to write everything on notepad first. That keeps me away from having to fix mistakes - spelling errors, etc - and lets me get on with my story. That way I don't lose my flow. After I have finished the entire story I will go back and edit the story - still in notepad.

Then, after letting it ferment for a bit, I copy the entire story into Word and run a spell check. Then I edit it again, re-writing poorly phrased segments and possibly adding where it is needed.

After a final read through, I submit it chapter by chapter, editing again as I submit. I still let things slip through but my stories seem to be vastly better than the original - not that the finished product is particularly good, just better.

I hear you Dean, you really can't over-edit a piece. Just be careful you don't dull down your original inspiration.

[Ozme52]

..

[Ozme52]

I'll just use Word from the beginning. It auto-corrects many simple typos such as 'teh' and nothing forces you to do any intermediate spellchecks whilen your laying down the draft(s).

[H Dean]

I've always used Word though, each time I go back to the story, I usually read through & check the mistakes before adding to it. It also refreshes my memory, as to 'what she's wearing' & so forth. Notepad sucks!

TojoYes, Word does fix certain things automatically. However, it also offers suggestions for phrasing and tells you if a comma is needed in a certain areas I failed to write in correct English. Some spelling mistakes are not fixed immediately and you do have to fix them yourself. I don't want to be told that something is wrong while I am writing. It halts my flow. I just want to get it down on "paper" and continue with my vision. When I am done I will check it - add commas, revise phrasing, etc.

Frankly, I can't imagine writing in anything but Notepad.

[H Dean]

I'll just use Word from the beginning. It auto-corrects many simple typos such as 'teh' and nothing forces you to do any intermediate spellchecks whilen your laying down the draft(s).This is true, but those stinking green underlines drive me nuts. I gotta fix 'em or I go bonkers...er, more bonkers...bonkerer.

[Tojo]

Well you can turn 'autocorrect as you type' off?

I won't hear a Word against Word....:rolleyes:


Tojo

[maddie]

Ick. Word. And any Microsoft product, for that matter.

Unless it's Messenger, which is actually pretty cool.

I generally develop an idea of what I want to do in my mind, then just start typing. I edit as I go, then go back and read it through and edit some more. Each time I read something, I edit it. If somebody else is going to see it, I usually have my husband proofread it.

I tend to be a fast writer. In my freshman composition class, the professor went around the room once, asking people how long they'd spent on an essay. I think I'd spent about an hour on it, total. Everybody else said five, six, eight, even ten hours. I didn't want to hurt anybody's feelings, or seem like I was acting superior, so I lied and said it'd taken me three or so hours.

[H Dean]

Well you can turn 'autocorrect as you type' off?

I won't hear a Word against Word....:rolleyes:


TojoSure, turn off auto-correct. It's easier to use notepad. Besides, I code in notepad, so I'm used to it. Word!

[Qmoq]

Hi there, only just saw this thread today.

Depends on the story, but I think I prefer to write in the first person for stories that are set in one scene.... but if it's a story that evolves over a period of time, where the two characters are apart from each other, I think the third person is better. One thing I have used is multiple "I"'s in a story, so I could really get in the mind of two characters. Maybe that's just laziness!

Having said all that, I think I usually prefer to read stories that are in the third person.

The one we've not mentioned is stories in the second person ("You take off your dress and feel a shiver run down your spine as you see the dildo you're going to slide into yourself...") but the less said about them, the better. Shame, as they sometimes have the best ideas, but are just hard to read. I mean, I've never felt a shiver run down my spine for that reason.

As for how I write, I use Word almost exclusively, right from the start. I'll usually start with a thought of a good mental image, or a fancy turn of phrase, something profound like "... it was agony to crawl towards him, knowing that he would beat her with the cane she held in her mouth, but she chose this life, and she could not have been wetter." And then I'll work out plot-points and characters that can get me to that point in the most realistic and entertaining way.

I know you're supposed to start with the characters and work from there, but hey, who's got time for that?!

The method I described was something that Douglas Adams confessed to - he really wanted the line "And so, Ford and Arthur were chasing a Chesterfield sofa around Lord's cricket ground, when the West Indes only needed 23 runs to win." to be in his book, so moulded the first four chapters JUST to get to that line!

Umm hope none of that sounded pretentious. Keep writing all, and good luck to each of you smut-peddling, filthy minded bastards!

Q xx

[crystelia]

For myself, I guess I'm a little complicated. I prefer third person, but also love the challenge of getting into the head of the character being abused not by directly writing down the characters thoughts, but rather by being detailed about how others see her reacting, by noting small details such as where she's looking, what her posture is, what her physical sensations are.

For some reason I find that to be more erotic than just a straightforward "Here's word for word what's in my head." Letting the reader infer what in a characters head by her reactions and her immediate environment tends to be more satisfying, in my experience.

[underwhere]

For myself, I guess I'm a little complicated. I prefer third person, but also love the challenge of getting into the head of the character being abused not by directly writing down the characters thoughts, but rather by being detailed about how others see her reacting, by noting small details such as where she's looking, what her posture is, what her physical sensations are.

I'm a little complicated too. :) When writing in third person, its really difficult to get into the characters' heads, and sometimes, you just can't understand what is going on without that ability, especially since some characters are exceptionally good at masking their thoughts and feelings. As a reader, I'm equally interested in that, if not more so, than I am in the action itself.

Actually, I'm now in the process of waiting for a review of my first assignment in the Writers Block in which I was not consistent with my point of view, switching between first and third person here and there. I'm very interested to see how it reads to others. (It reads well to me, but I can't write simply for myself if I want my stories read by others, after all.) There is plenty of room in this assignment if I want to add something to it later, so its quite possible that I may eventually put it up in chapter form in the library itself at some point.


For some reason I find that to be more erotic than just a straightforward "Here's word for word what's in my head." Letting the reader infer what in a characters head by her reactions and her immediate environment tends to be more satisfying, in my experience.

I think it works both ways, but there is definitely an art to doing it well no matter which method you choose.

I think its probably easier to be consistent with first person, and quite possibly, it might be easier to craft a tighter tale that way, but I've read plenty of each style to know that they each serve a purpose, both to the writer and to the reader. The trick seems to be in choosing the right approach for the particular writing project.

Its also possible that the mood of a story will come out better if told one way or the other. So maybe it depends more on the story itself than on the author or the audience. I dunno....just some rambling thoughts.

[Faibhar]

It seems, hopefully, to be best when using a POV to make it more interesting by alternating views from 1st to 2nd, to 3rd.

[Dragon's muse]

If i read something like that my eyeballs would bleed and my head would explode.

[GreyJack]

There are so many variations of style for POV that what works for some, doesn't for others. Big Help, I know LOL. The main thing I have found is that the overlying POV is that of the author's narrator, the overriding "voice" and "opinions" of the story. That is essentially, the POV whether it is an all-seeing, all-knowing type or a specific "observing" individual. If it's an all-seeing POV then you can probe into the minds of all the characters, describe what they do when alone, etc., obviously not so with a specific individual who only knows, sees, etc when this individual is present (but, of course, may speculate about when they're not present).

A consistent POV from a specific narrator (non all-seeing) provides a good medium for dynamic tension and "surprises." Good storytellers usually give the reader the sense that it's someone who is able to put them in the picture, and who knows the outcome (hence a lot of good stories are like hearing them "as history." They did this, they did that, they felt/thought this or that (doesn't have to be told in the past tense however). The POV of this individual storyteller also can provide insights (or hindsights) into the meaning of the story as it develops. Dunno if any of this is helpful. I've been a writer for well over 40 years and am still always learning and re-learning the craft of making words do what I need them to. *S*

[Dragon's muse]

GreyJack,
i've been a professional writer for about fifteen years and i still learn new things everyday, too. First person has never worked for me, to the point in a bookstore, if i glance at the first paragraph and it's in first, the book goes back on the shelf.

(With a few exceptions -- Flowers for Algernon, Dolores Claiborne, -- but those are rare and they have to be either highly reccomended or from a writer that i trust will tell a gripping enough story to overcome my basic dislike of first person.)

i've never seen any published second person fiction. i never want to see any.

My preference for reading and writing is Multi-perspective Third Limited. It allows me to get inside a character's head, without the head-hopping feeling of Third Omniscent.

[crystelia]

Wow - never read a Sherlock Holmes story?

[Dragon's muse]

Doyle is one of those rare exceptions i spoke of. There are always exceptions.

Tom Clancy write wonderful plot driven fiction; that doesn't transform most plot driven fiction into something wonderful.

Neil Gaiman writes brilliant fantasy; that doesn't make the cliche-ridden, formulaic, derivative fantasy brilliant.

[Faibhar]

It seems as if reading alternating POVees causes nose bleeds, etc., then perhaps another means of entertainment/career is by necessity demanded.

[Dragon's muse]

Really? Does that mean i should send back the next royalty check? That would put me in a bit of a bind, frankly.

Since alternate POV's are so great, can you point me to some well-crafted second person fiction, erotic or otherwise?

Actually, preferring third person makes it a bit easier, since most published fiction is written in thrid person, past tense. Wonder why that is?

Edited to add: i think i'll write a novel in second person, plural, future, subjunctive. Now there's an idea with "bestseller" all over it.

[Faibhar]

Pontificating leads elsewhere. Let's just defer to Dragon's muse's clear superiority in all matters and hope no other eyeball bleeding or head explosions occur.

[Dragon's muse]

i apologize. i was unaware that stating my preference was pontificating. Shan't make that mistake again.

No second person fiction to suggest?

[Mad Lews]

Just as a challenge, a second person story of over a thousand words, erotic preferably and post it here or in the library.

I've tried my hand at first person it's a challenge to write right and a challenge to read but if you pull it off it has emotional impact that you're hard pressed to get in third person limited past tense.
http://www.bdsmlibrary.com/stories/wholestory.php?storyid=3439

Even when done well I find it hard to maintain the first person POV for any length beyond the short story. That is, hard to write it at length and hard to keep the reader into it. :rolleyes: That could just be me though.

Second person might work in a few select cases, but for a whole story let alone a novel... I think not.

Third person is in fact what mostly gets published and read, so lighten up everyone. These discussions are supposed to be for sharing information not an exercise in sarcasm. :dont:

Affectionately
Mad Lews

[Isabella King]

I agree with Mad Lews and the pontificator ;) I would never use first person for anything other than a short story. It's too hard to keep it going and also far too limiting in anything of length.

Third person omniscient has to be best for longer stuff - why make the task harder than you have to :).

Second person? Don't do it :eek:

[Dragon's muse]

At the risk of pontificating, first person -- in most cases -- just feels intrusive to me. It makes me very aware of the storytelling process. As i said, there are exceptions, but overall i do avoid first person fiction when i can (which turns into almost always when it is first person present tense -- i can't get rid of the picture of a person walking around going about their activities talking into a tape recorder.)

[Alex Bragi]

Well, I don't really mind first person writing, in fact I've read quite a few stories that I felt read a whole lot more intimately that way---a little like being told about some-one's naughtiest secrets or thoughts.

Isabella, I agree second person story telling--just don't go there. When I read erotic fiction I love to immerse myself in it, but there is just simply no way I'm ever going to get my head around being told something like: "..you stick your hard cock in her wet pussy..."

[Faibhar]

Consensus has it then! First Person Writing is the best there ever is, or will be in written history.

[Faibhar]

Consensus has it then! First Person Writing is the best there ever is, or will be in written history.

[Faibhar]

Consensus has it then! First Person Writing is the best there ever is, or ever will be in written history.

[Dragon's muse]

Actually, no one style is "best". Depends on the project, the reader, and the writer. It's all subjective.

[Faibhar]

On that much we can all agree, it is truly subjective :)

[Mad Lews]

Consensus has it then! First Person Writing is the best there ever is, or ever will be in written history.

There’s a lot to be said for third person either limited or omnipotent

Consensus commonly means a general agreement among the members of a given group or community, each member of which exercises some discretion in decision-making process. Respect is implied or at least inferred. When misused as a verb, consensus is the process of creating such a state of agreement.

In its most extreme form consensus requires agreement of all participants, a process as time consuming but not nearly as useful as herding cats. Achieving consensus requires serious treatment of every group member's considered opinion. It is in the end a struggle to find an opinion that is acceptable to all, or at least most. Often it ends up being a rush toward the lowest common denominator.

considerately yours

Mad & Lews

[Dragon's muse]

And he said i pontificated!!

[Isabella King]

Hehe! I'm so glad you got here first, muse. :d

[Mad Lews]

Smoke curls above the basilica as the streets ring with joyous shouts.

"I wanna be the Pontiff!!!" Mad cried

"NO, pick me! Pick me!" Lews rejoined

[Mad Lews]

"You are my sunshine, My only sunshine.
You make me happy when skies are gray......"

Ya know I bet this could be done. Just add some rope and gratuitous sex and viola!
Any takers?

Mad

[Dragon's muse]

My very dear and/or very esteemed Mad and/or Lews,

Lots and lots of things could be done. You could build a house of nothing but broccoli with an asparagus roof. You could cover a vintage Bentley in mashed parsnips. The question would be, "Why?"

With fondest regards,
rose

[Dragon's muse]

Smoke curls above the basilica as the streets ring with joyous shouts.

"I wanna be the Pontiff!!!" Mad cried

"NO, pick me! Pick me!" Lews rejoined

Both of you just want to wear the cool hat and cape and ride around in the limo with the bulletproof glass bubble.


Although, i think a shorter length skirt would look much better on you -- show off those sexy gams of yours.

[Faibhar]

Actually, the popemobile can best show off both cool hat, cape, etc.

As for the "consensus" bit, you are quite right in technicality, in not in intent.

[Alex Bragi]

Both of you just want to wear the cool hat and cape and ride around in the limo with the bulletproof glass bubble.


Although, i think a shorter length skirt would look much better on you -- show off those sexy gams of yours.


*gg* I believe you're absolutely right, Dragon's muse.

[Dragon's muse]

*gg* I believe you're absolutely right, Dragon's muse.

Hey, Dragon is totally hawt in his kilt; i figure Mad/Lews would be, too.