Point of view (POV) may not be the most important element of writing great fiction, but learning what it is and being mindful of it when creating a story is necessary to avoid confusing the reader. If the reader gets confused they may put down your book, never finish reading it, and never recommend it to others.
So what is POV? The character who sees, hears, feels, detects smells, tastes AND who reacts to these senses is the POV character. When you put the POV character at a certain place--say inside a house--they cannot see what is going on two blocks away. They may hear sirens two blocks away or smell something burning that isn't visible, but they can't hear another character humming inside a house three doors down.
If a story is written with one character POV, that character must be in every scene. If Sally is the POV character and she isn't there it didn't happen unless someone tells her about it. If Sally (the POV character) is facing John you cannot say Harry crept up behind Sally. John might see Harry, but Sally cannot see Harry and if you say John sees Harry you are now in his POV. However, Sally might see John's eyes widen, spin around, and see Harry.
Romance fiction is most often written with two POV characters--the protagonist and the love interest.
A skilled writer can write multiple character POV and not bog down the story or lose the reader.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Showing Up
Showing up is half the game. And so I'm back. And happy to be back. Not that I've been missing for any reason other than doing other things instead of posting to this blog.
Last week, I attended the Romance Writer's of America National Conference. The conference is always stiumlating. I never fail to learn something new, enjoy a new experience, and meet someone who inspires. This year, I was invited to a cocktail reception hosted by the editors of Avalon Books. A lovely occasion. The Avalon writers I spoke with at the reception are some of the warmest people I've ever met. In fact, all of the romance writers I've had the priviledge of meeting are giving and friendly. The Avalon editors are young, attractive, and talented. They are a pleasure to work with.
This year the national conference was held in Washington D.C. My hubby and I took advantage of the location to visit the Capitol and Mt. Vernon. Neither disappointed. However, visiting Mt. Vernon when the weather is cooler would have been smart. The grounds are extensive and interesting but require a bit of walking--not so enjoyable in the heat and humidity of July.
"We fight for freedom." The rallying cry of George Washington during the dire days of the Revolutionary War. And to this day, America continues to fight to bring freedom to others. Washington's "never give up" spirit and the sacrifice of many gave us this wonderful country. Can we keep it?
My plan for this blog is to begin a series of short posts of fiction writing tips.
Drop in next week to see if I actually got my act together. And laugh.
Living with a joyous spirit is the best revenge against those who would disparage all that is good.
Last week, I attended the Romance Writer's of America National Conference. The conference is always stiumlating. I never fail to learn something new, enjoy a new experience, and meet someone who inspires. This year, I was invited to a cocktail reception hosted by the editors of Avalon Books. A lovely occasion. The Avalon writers I spoke with at the reception are some of the warmest people I've ever met. In fact, all of the romance writers I've had the priviledge of meeting are giving and friendly. The Avalon editors are young, attractive, and talented. They are a pleasure to work with.
This year the national conference was held in Washington D.C. My hubby and I took advantage of the location to visit the Capitol and Mt. Vernon. Neither disappointed. However, visiting Mt. Vernon when the weather is cooler would have been smart. The grounds are extensive and interesting but require a bit of walking--not so enjoyable in the heat and humidity of July.
"We fight for freedom." The rallying cry of George Washington during the dire days of the Revolutionary War. And to this day, America continues to fight to bring freedom to others. Washington's "never give up" spirit and the sacrifice of many gave us this wonderful country. Can we keep it?
My plan for this blog is to begin a series of short posts of fiction writing tips.
Drop in next week to see if I actually got my act together. And laugh.
Living with a joyous spirit is the best revenge against those who would disparage all that is good.
Monday, October 13, 2008
A Little Inspiration Goes A Long Way
At the moment I write this, the world is experiencing the turmoil of war and a worldwide financial collapse.
To ease my path through this time, I replace all negative thoughts, with positive thoughts. Some days this becomes a constant exercise. But, if I open my eyes and look around me, it isn't difficult to find something to be thankful for.
And then there are worries over big and small issues, second guessing motives or making assumptions about things I have no clue about. These can take a bit longer to dispel--especially if they are constantly fueled by events over which I have no control.
When I was raising children, it took a lot of energy not to worry. School grades--worry. Daughters dating--worry. Driving a car--worry. Health issues--worry. And now there are the grandchildren. But I don't see them everyday, so out of sight, out of mind....for the most part. Besides, they are blessed with great parents to worry about them--leaving me free.
When I do find myself worrying, I turn to my faith to dispense with it. The quotation below is a good thought to remember.
Anxiety springs from the desire that things should happen as we wish rather than as God wills.
Anonymous
To ease my path through this time, I replace all negative thoughts, with positive thoughts. Some days this becomes a constant exercise. But, if I open my eyes and look around me, it isn't difficult to find something to be thankful for.
And then there are worries over big and small issues, second guessing motives or making assumptions about things I have no clue about. These can take a bit longer to dispel--especially if they are constantly fueled by events over which I have no control.
When I was raising children, it took a lot of energy not to worry. School grades--worry. Daughters dating--worry. Driving a car--worry. Health issues--worry. And now there are the grandchildren. But I don't see them everyday, so out of sight, out of mind....for the most part. Besides, they are blessed with great parents to worry about them--leaving me free.
When I do find myself worrying, I turn to my faith to dispense with it. The quotation below is a good thought to remember.
Anxiety springs from the desire that things should happen as we wish rather than as God wills.
Anonymous
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Chocolate Ganache Sandwiches
A recipe from my newspaper taken from Real Simple.
What could be easier of yummier? A chocolate lover's dream of perfection.
1 12oz. bag of semisweet chocolate chips
2 cups heavy cream
2 9oz. boxes of Nabisco Famous Chocolate wafers
Melt the chocolate chips in the heavy cream over low heat, sitrring occasionally until blended. Remove from heat and chill in refrigerator until cool but not firm.
Beat the chocolate cream (ganache) with an electric mixer for 3 to 5 minutes, until light and fluffy.
Assemble each sandwich with a few tablespoons of the ganache between 2 wafers. If you want to keep the wafer crisp assemble right before serving. Or you can acheive a more cakelike wafer by assembling them a day ahead and keeping them covered in the refrigerator.
Makes 30.
What could be easier of yummier? A chocolate lover's dream of perfection.
1 12oz. bag of semisweet chocolate chips
2 cups heavy cream
2 9oz. boxes of Nabisco Famous Chocolate wafers
Melt the chocolate chips in the heavy cream over low heat, sitrring occasionally until blended. Remove from heat and chill in refrigerator until cool but not firm.
Beat the chocolate cream (ganache) with an electric mixer for 3 to 5 minutes, until light and fluffy.
Assemble each sandwich with a few tablespoons of the ganache between 2 wafers. If you want to keep the wafer crisp assemble right before serving. Or you can acheive a more cakelike wafer by assembling them a day ahead and keeping them covered in the refrigerator.
Makes 30.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
A Litte of This and That
Summer is rolling into fall. Every mother of school age children who are not home schooled sighs when school reconvenes. I marvel at families who chose to home school and who do so with great success.
My herb plants are scraggly from lack of attention. The harvested basil has been put to use as has the mint. I shall pluck what I can from my favorite herb, the lemon verbena that struggles to survive. Now that fresh herbs are available at the market, my natural tendency to avoid gardening has taken hold and keeps me inside where it is cool.
A few notes about the broad category of romance fiction: Romance was the biggest fiction category published in 2007. The number of men reading romance is increasing. Contemporary, Inspirational and Historical are the three top sub-genres. I have tried writing all three. My heart prefers writing what is known as the Regency historical.
Words of inspiration:
Hope and be happy that all's for the best!
Martin Farquahar Tupper: All's for the Best, st. 3
My herb plants are scraggly from lack of attention. The harvested basil has been put to use as has the mint. I shall pluck what I can from my favorite herb, the lemon verbena that struggles to survive. Now that fresh herbs are available at the market, my natural tendency to avoid gardening has taken hold and keeps me inside where it is cool.
A few notes about the broad category of romance fiction: Romance was the biggest fiction category published in 2007. The number of men reading romance is increasing. Contemporary, Inspirational and Historical are the three top sub-genres. I have tried writing all three. My heart prefers writing what is known as the Regency historical.
Words of inspiration:
Hope and be happy that all's for the best!
Martin Farquahar Tupper: All's for the Best, st. 3
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Adversity
Prayer is the burden of a sigh,
The falling of a tear,
The upward glancing of an eye
When none but God is near.
James Montgomery: What Is Prayer? st. 2
The falling of a tear,
The upward glancing of an eye
When none but God is near.
James Montgomery: What Is Prayer? st. 2
Monday, May 26, 2008
State Houses
We can see the end.
Last week we took in three more State Capitals: Sacramento, CA; Salem, OR; and Olympia, WA. Giving us a grand total of 46. The four remaining are: Utah; Montana; Idaho; Hawaii.
Now we have to decide how to get to Hawaii. Cruise or fly? Having lived there for three years and then been back on Oahu years later for a week long visit before we'd started our quest to visit all of the US State Houses, staying on island isn't a priority. Still getting to the the west coast requires a long flight, an overnight stay, the cruise and then reverse (staying overnight depending on when the cruise docks). Flying the whole way would be faster. At the moment, after the trip last week, I am inclined toward choosing the cruise.
Once we finish this grand tour with a visit to the Federal Capital what will be our next goal? There are numerous exciting possibilities.
Last week we took in three more State Capitals: Sacramento, CA; Salem, OR; and Olympia, WA. Giving us a grand total of 46. The four remaining are: Utah; Montana; Idaho; Hawaii.
Now we have to decide how to get to Hawaii. Cruise or fly? Having lived there for three years and then been back on Oahu years later for a week long visit before we'd started our quest to visit all of the US State Houses, staying on island isn't a priority. Still getting to the the west coast requires a long flight, an overnight stay, the cruise and then reverse (staying overnight depending on when the cruise docks). Flying the whole way would be faster. At the moment, after the trip last week, I am inclined toward choosing the cruise.
Once we finish this grand tour with a visit to the Federal Capital what will be our next goal? There are numerous exciting possibilities.
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