How to Get Published

by Al Kalar

There are three viewpoints of most novels that are part of the author’s “voice”: first person, third person, omniscient. Once you pick one, stick to it; don’t change part way through OR (horrors) from chapter to chapter.

First person: The story is told from the viewpoint of a character.

“I did this.

I saw that.

I remember back when . . .”. (more…)

by Diane O’Connell

Q: There’s a raging controversy over point of view in my writing group. We’re taught to pick one and stick with it. But writers (big famous ones) are changing points of view all the time! What do  agents and editors think about this?

A: Your controversy on point of view (POV) is one I’ve heard often from many writers and in my online writing classes on POV. You are right in that it’s best to pick a POV — whether first person, third person singular or third person plural — and stick to it. However, you are also right that many bestselling authors seem to flaunt these rules all the time and get away with it. Michael Connelly and James Patterson are two that come immediately to mind. So, what gives?  I just read Patterson’s Run For Your Life, and it is all over the place with POV. (more…)

by Al Kalar

“Writing is not necessarily something to be ashamed of - but do it in private and wash your hands afterwards.” -Robert Heinlein

Point of View (POV)

How are you going to tell your tale? Through who’s eyes will the reader see and experience what is happening? This is an important decision, because you must be consistent throughout your book.

There are three main methods of telling a story: (more…)