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Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Decisions
Influences this week: The look in Fallon's eyes as I'm writing him, the feel of fingers without fingernails as they wrap around your neck and fresh air. And a song called, “Simple Lies” by Endo.
So I bought an independent keyboard for my laptop. Well, actually, I bought the independent keyboard and mouse at Christmas as a present to myself. This probably seems weird and silly to you since I bought the laptop to be flexible. But my hands have a mind of their own. I can't seem to type over the mouse sensor pad without deleting half of what I just wrote. So I had a brilliant idea (really, all my ideas are brilliant- whether they are half crazy or just plain crazy simply because I'm a pirate) and I hatched this ambitious plan to write three books this year.
Once I have a regular keyboard, I can rule the world!
I spend about a month gearing up to do massive write downs (sort of like a beat down, except in writing form). So in March, I pulled out my fancy, handy-dandy keyboard and mouse combo and plugged the little flash drive into my side port. It's gleaming black and has all these neat little toggle buttons along the top of it. It's nifty.
Having an independent keyboard is the bees knees of writing expeditions. I type so much faster without having to worry about where the evil cursor might start eating my words. I can put my feet up on the desk and put the keyboard in my lap and type away. It's like faeries fashioned up this keyboard just for my writing pleasure.
Until, I hit a tense wall.
Saturday, utterly dejected and feeling like the world's biggest idiot, I slumped into my office. I stared down at my fabulous keyboard and picked it up. “Why, oh why did you do this to me, keyboard? I thought we were a team. You've betrayed me.”
And the keyboard, knowing it had done the ultimate of all betrayals stayed silent and cold. The keyboard let me write in both first person POV and third person POV.
I flopped over in my chaise lounge with marshmallow Peeps until my tongue and fingers were hot pink and sugar coated.
I'm torn. GPS and I have discussed the YA being written in third person POV. We both think more of the story could be told. You would have the chance to hear the backgrounds and learn more of the world. But there is so much of the world that's different from our own, I think there would be a chance of overload and things being lost in transition in third person POV. And let's face it, third person POV is my weakest writing skill.
I've been working on my third person knowing that someday I might need it. In fact, the last two weeks of March I wrote a one shot in third person and re-worked a previous one shot from first person to third. I wrote my first third person sex scene two weeks ago. It was horrible. I never want to do it again. I felt weird and discombobulated and confuzzled. How does one stick with one third person POV when writing sex scenes. I felt like I was head hopping and spying on someone's intimate moment. It really just felt like reading a really bad porn script. My beta swears while it was different than my usual writing, it was still good. I think she's crazy. (Well, she is crazy because she's friends with me, but that's besides the point.)
Telling this story, in a different world, is an entirely new process to me. I'm always unsure of my writing. I constantly read back to myself and cringe. I'm having tense issues further on in the story when one person in charge of babysitting my main character is challenged by another for rights to babysit. With my main character not an intricate part of the fight, nor really able to see enhanced movements, she's pretty much a worthless POV. The best POV at this point would be her babysitter. The only way to achieve that is to write the whole damn story (and series) in third person. I'm not quite to this scene, I'm only thinking ahead. But it's a problem.
And the problem of Friday night where I wrote 3,000 words in Fallon's POV without noticing what I'd done. It was almost a seemless write into his mind at the time. It wasn't even really third person. More of a first person, but felt like third. I dunno how to describe it other than Fallon possessed me.
Don't get me started on writing the beginning. If only I was good at them. I think I'd write more often. I'm currently sitting at a little over 15k and knowing about half of it will be dumped in revision, I'm feeling a little more desperate to get going into the story. I'd like to be at 25k by Friday which would put me half way through the month and my word goal. But with all my back pedaling and stalling, I'll be lucky to see 20k by the end of the week.
So, how do you decide on what POV to stick with? I know I can always go back and edit later, but to write a whole book in one POV only to realize I have to shift it all? I shudder at the thought. And where are you at with your story goals? Having any luck with the muse?
So I bought an independent keyboard for my laptop. Well, actually, I bought the independent keyboard and mouse at Christmas as a present to myself. This probably seems weird and silly to you since I bought the laptop to be flexible. But my hands have a mind of their own. I can't seem to type over the mouse sensor pad without deleting half of what I just wrote. So I had a brilliant idea (really, all my ideas are brilliant- whether they are half crazy or just plain crazy simply because I'm a pirate) and I hatched this ambitious plan to write three books this year.
Once I have a regular keyboard, I can rule the world!
I spend about a month gearing up to do massive write downs (sort of like a beat down, except in writing form). So in March, I pulled out my fancy, handy-dandy keyboard and mouse combo and plugged the little flash drive into my side port. It's gleaming black and has all these neat little toggle buttons along the top of it. It's nifty.
Having an independent keyboard is the bees knees of writing expeditions. I type so much faster without having to worry about where the evil cursor might start eating my words. I can put my feet up on the desk and put the keyboard in my lap and type away. It's like faeries fashioned up this keyboard just for my writing pleasure.
Until, I hit a tense wall.
Saturday, utterly dejected and feeling like the world's biggest idiot, I slumped into my office. I stared down at my fabulous keyboard and picked it up. “Why, oh why did you do this to me, keyboard? I thought we were a team. You've betrayed me.”
And the keyboard, knowing it had done the ultimate of all betrayals stayed silent and cold. The keyboard let me write in both first person POV and third person POV.
I flopped over in my chaise lounge with marshmallow Peeps until my tongue and fingers were hot pink and sugar coated.
I'm torn. GPS and I have discussed the YA being written in third person POV. We both think more of the story could be told. You would have the chance to hear the backgrounds and learn more of the world. But there is so much of the world that's different from our own, I think there would be a chance of overload and things being lost in transition in third person POV. And let's face it, third person POV is my weakest writing skill.
I've been working on my third person knowing that someday I might need it. In fact, the last two weeks of March I wrote a one shot in third person and re-worked a previous one shot from first person to third. I wrote my first third person sex scene two weeks ago. It was horrible. I never want to do it again. I felt weird and discombobulated and confuzzled. How does one stick with one third person POV when writing sex scenes. I felt like I was head hopping and spying on someone's intimate moment. It really just felt like reading a really bad porn script. My beta swears while it was different than my usual writing, it was still good. I think she's crazy. (Well, she is crazy because she's friends with me, but that's besides the point.)
Telling this story, in a different world, is an entirely new process to me. I'm always unsure of my writing. I constantly read back to myself and cringe. I'm having tense issues further on in the story when one person in charge of babysitting my main character is challenged by another for rights to babysit. With my main character not an intricate part of the fight, nor really able to see enhanced movements, she's pretty much a worthless POV. The best POV at this point would be her babysitter. The only way to achieve that is to write the whole damn story (and series) in third person. I'm not quite to this scene, I'm only thinking ahead. But it's a problem.
And the problem of Friday night where I wrote 3,000 words in Fallon's POV without noticing what I'd done. It was almost a seemless write into his mind at the time. It wasn't even really third person. More of a first person, but felt like third. I dunno how to describe it other than Fallon possessed me.
Don't get me started on writing the beginning. If only I was good at them. I think I'd write more often. I'm currently sitting at a little over 15k and knowing about half of it will be dumped in revision, I'm feeling a little more desperate to get going into the story. I'd like to be at 25k by Friday which would put me half way through the month and my word goal. But with all my back pedaling and stalling, I'll be lucky to see 20k by the end of the week.
So, how do you decide on what POV to stick with? I know I can always go back and edit later, but to write a whole book in one POV only to realize I have to shift it all? I shudder at the thought. And where are you at with your story goals? Having any luck with the muse?
Labels:
2011,
Quartermaster's Queries (Sin),
Sin
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43 comments:
You'll laugh, but I'm currently writing in first person POV--going back and forth at each chapter between the two main characters (chapter 1, Eve; chapter 2, Adam)--with the knowledge that come revisions, it'll likely be going into third person. I don't mind. I know the story would be better in third, but every time I've started it in third, I've hit a wall and stopped writing, so I've started this to attempt to sabotage that result. What can I say, I'm paranoid and the mastermind of my own demise.
I don't want to derail you, but I do think it's odd you're writing in 3rd. For a YA novel. Since like 99% of them seem to be written in first person. Okay, maybe not that percentage, but it's up there. However, you've talked this over with Pixy, who I'm sure gets your story and vision--so it's possible (and likely) this is in your head.
You'll straighten it out in revisions. I think the real problem is you hate revisions and refuse to revise. *LOL* We all get that; I'm pretty sure most of the pirates here are as guilty as you--but you're going to have to do SOME revisions at the very least, if not a lot. It'll work out. Don't derail.
Well, I've done first person for shorts. I find it horribly restrictive to telling a whole story, for much the same reason you find third so restrictive!
That said, I'm presenting reading a book that goes from two different first person POV. Hero, then heroine. It's a bit different...but...who knows? For a YA I think it would work...
But I also think Hellion is onto something. Face your revision rebellion, write it however it works and plan on fixing in revision.
Writing? Hey, I'm back from RT but absolutely drained. Hope to report some words by Monday... Other than the 10, about, I managed today...
But had a great visit at the Lair!
Presenting? Geez! Presently!
I've only considered first POV once, when I started the ghost story you helped me with, Sin.
But I didn't get far. I found it pretty restrictive. I think it's definitely think POV is a personal preference. And I think it depends on the story. That story was more about the character's arc than the external conflicts. I think that made 1st POV a better fit than what I'm currently writing.
Sin, I think you can get derailed if you try to perfect the story as it's coming out. And, as writers, our best skill is second guessing--so it's understandable that you're changing your mind while you're writing, even though it's not making things better for you.
I just finished reading a contest entry where there was 1st POV from one character, and 3rd POV from at least 3 or 4 others. There was a good reason for the 3rd POV, and at first I didn't even realize it had changed, but it actually worked (it was a thriller-type story). I can see where other readers might get their shorts twisted sideways though.
I agree that you'll need to liberate yourself from your feelings about revision. I've been in that place before too, and I'd rather I didn't have to revise. But sometimes you need to experiment to find the best way to tell the story.
Hells, I think I'm gonna stick with third person. Here is my problem in the beginning, since I don't really do an outline, I have no idea where the story is going. I have an idea of the end. The direction I need to go in order to get there depends on the characters and what they're willing to do. But I think I figured it out the other night while I was drowning my sorrows in pink Peeps.
I have to refuse third person. I think the reason YA's are mostly in first person is because it allows the reader to feel like it's you in the story. (I'm sure third person does this as well, but I don't do third person well at all.) So I will find a way to keep it in first person. Because I like a challenge and I'm a pirate. Two things that mesh well together.
And I've really never had to hash out actual revisions on a whole book. Chapters at a time- yes. Whole books- no. Not looking forward to a whole book. I know the process I go through with chapters... ugh.
I agree with Marn--I think preference is more personal than anything else. Whatever makes you feel the most comfortable and makes you sit in your chair or squat in your corner--that's the one you should do. It's YOUR story; you tell us what the POV is. If you were reading the book, what POV would you want to be in?
You mean you're going to keep it in THIRD person, right? Not first....
It'll work out. I think all any writer really needs is to know what the black moment is and write to it. I mean, other things HELP, but you can figure them out later if necessary and you're willing to not freak out much. (But we're writers and that's pretty much impossible.)
No, I'm going to keep it in first. Most of it is currently written in first person. I only wrote about 15 pages in third and it will be easily cut or I'll find a way to make it first.
The 15 pages are in Fallon's POV during a scene I think I might trash anyway. But it was fun to write. I've had a few days to think and get perspective on my first story. This will be better in first.
Okay cool. (You do see why I was confused when you said you were going to keep it in 3rd with your first sentence. *LOL*)
I think considering the subject matter, it would be more interesting trying to figure out if the hero is good or bad (that's who Fallon is, yes?). Look how well it's worked for Twilight, Hush Hush, etc. I like that about 1st person. You have to have faith. *LOL* You don't just get to pop over into third person POV of the shady hero and go, "Oh, he's just in a bad mood because she smelled good." There's a lot of suspense built in.
Plus I love the fact you can't quite trust your narrator either because their perceptions color things untruthfully.
I write mostly in third person. It's the POV I like to read because I'm nosey and want to get inside both characters' heads. But I've read plenty of first person that I liked too. Even in third I struggle to really get in my character's head, so writing first well is not something I can do.
I can write short stuff in first. The story I sold to WW was in first person and had a chick lit feel to it, so that worked. I have a chick lit para idea on a way back burner that if I ever write will be in first person. Expect much gnashing of teeth if that time ever comes. LOL!
And I have to agree with everyone else, use the voice that works best for you and the story. It's so annoying that freaking out comes naturally to us writers, but trust yourself on this one.
Once I have a regular keyboard, I can rule the world!
I’m smiling. Last time I was near a regular keyboard?
Well. It got interesting.
Maybe that explains why They bought a laptop for me to use.
SIN, you need a headset too … or as my headset calls itself … a head saint… Yah. If you wanna rule the world, then you need to have a head saint.
Not that I would know about ruling anything.
Hellion, that is interesting...the book where they flipped around. The one I'm reading is the first I've ever seen like that. Wonder if there is a new trend developing...or we're just reading flukey stuff...
2nd, I'm not sure I'd like to read a book that switched back and forth between two 1st person POVs. I mean, there's always, always an exception but as a rule, I would think of it as some sort of cheat. You WANT us to know what everyone is thinking, but you also want the feel that it's restricted when it's not. I want my cake, but I want to eat it too.
Still, as a whole, considering how limiting it was to write 30 years ago. Everything 3rd person, only in these eras, must have this but never that--we have broadened the definition of what's acceptable and what isn't greatly. It's quite possible this will be a new trend and will thrive very well. *shrugs*
I think this works marginally well...mainly because it's a short. If it were a full 100k, I'd go nuts.
It's like how I can write first, but only in a short. I swear, when I started The Ship's Mistress, I meant it to be a full and I literally felt like I was bouncing around inside her head and starting to drool. My editor pled with me to expand it.
I can't. 15k is about my limit on first person.
If I could bounce around from several first person POV, I could do it, but it would look very bouncy. And probably give the reader vertigo.
I hear more and more about exploring mixtures of POV's, but it would drive me nuts to read. More power to anyone who can slide into it with no problem, but I can't do it.
“it’s odd you’re writing in 3rd. For a YA novel. Since like 99% of them seem to be written in first person.”
Why is that?
Here’s the thing. Young adults tend to see the world from an intimate personal perspective. They are still trying to figure out their place in the world. And often times they have very little power or influence over that world. What they do have power/influence over is … themselves. Their reactions to world events. And their actions in response to that outside influence. So IMO it would be normal for your main character/s to perceive life from a very personal, very intimate “how does the world around me relate to me” kind of a view. Verses a more detached “how do I relate to the world” outlook.
Now, I’m not saying that I think young people are selfish. Most of them are not. What they are is going through the process of getting to know who they are. They are getting to know their “Me”. Me, as in Who am I? Me, What are my life goals? Me, What are my life choices? Me, as in How does the world around me relate to me and my personal growth? Me. Me. Me. Therefore, I am of the opinion that writing your story in the first person “Me view of the world” would actually make your WIP sound/feel/read more real to the YA readership.
Just IMO, of course.
Bottom line?
Like Terri said “use the voice that works best for you and the story.”
Christie Craig's new YA (written as CC Hunter) is third person, but I don't think she ever changes narrator. I'll have to ask kiddo since I haven't read past the beginning, but I believe she stays in the heroine's POV throughout, in third person. It works, but Christie is also a highly skilled writer.
In fact, until this book, kiddo preferred only 1st POV and would put a book down if it was third.
Yeah, kids aren't egocentric, they are just limited in their ability to work outside a personal orbit. Until they figure out how to make it work and not lose themselves in things like peer pressure, etc.
You make perfect sense, Janga. And you won the copy of The Kraken's Mirror from the Lair yesterday!
Where do you see Janga???
And I know adults who still can't work outside a personal orbit.
Where do you see Janga???
When you're not present & people sense your presence? Now that, THAT is when you know you Have Presence.
I’d love-love-love to listen to that woman give a lecture.
Brain on RT...not working. Sorry, Julie. You're brilliant. You didn't win the book, but you're brilliant anyway...
But I DIDN"T winnnnnnn! Of course I didn't post. but thats because i like you, Chance. And the last time I wrote about what was on my mind ... well. lets just say some thoughts should stay thoughts!
Someday, my brain will return.
I hope.
Julie, you are always winning! ;-)
And don't apologize, Chance. I will take that comment as the huge compliment it was. I might have my brilliant moments, but I’m far-far-far from being a Janga. Or should I say … The Janga.
I hope Sin didn't throw herself in front of a bus or go postal downtown--because that was MY plan for this craptastic day and I hate when someone implements my great ideas before I get a chance to.
It's been a winner, hasn't it? I took off out the house to walk the dog and then noticed it was sprinkling. And I'm wearing sandals...
Now, I'm having a great year for the most part, but I understand if everyone else wants to hit the wayback machine and start this year over...or skip to next year.
Good Lord, don't start the year over. And don't skip forward either, that'll make my daughter age even faster (me too!) and she's already aging faster than I'd like.
Okay this has been worse than a craptastic day. I appreciate all the comments. I'll have to read through them later. Probably at midnight. When I should be sleeping.
No. I don't want to do that stuff over again either. Once was enough for me!
Though I do know more than one parent who would think differently.
Sigh.
Really, Chance I'm just weary of wishing that I could make things better. Or easier. Or ... being able to turn their faces away from the things I wish they didn't have to see. But that’s part of growing up isn’t it? And experiencing both the wonder & the tragedies of life is what makes a person who they are. Interestingly, that exploring of wonder & tragedy is also what makes YA what it is too. IMO
Go to sleep , SIN. Go ooonnn. Just leave out your car keys & your debit card. :)
I wrote my first third person sex scene two weeks ago. It was horrible.
Heh. I feel the same way about writing a sex scene in first person. I like to think of myself as a very sex positive, liberal, feminist. But somehow, writing "He touch my [bleep]; I felt his [bleep]," makes me giggle like a twelve-year-old kids. Especially when I think my mother, who dutifully buys and reads everything I write, will read it. I don't mind if she reads my smut. Just not the first person smut. Sheesh. I'm pathetic.
Pat...yeah, I agree. First person sex is a bit...squishy. Thank God my Mom doesn't read my stuff! My sis had a hard enough time with it, and she hasn't read my more erotic stuff yet! ;-)
And I'm sorta hoping my bro will never read it...
I feel the same way about writing a sex scene in first person. I like to think of myself as a very sex positive, liberal, feminist. But somehow, writing “He touch my [bleep]; I felt his [bleep],” makes me giggle like a twelve-year-old kids. Especially when I think my mother, who dutifully buys and reads everything I write, will read it.
*LOL* This was the bright spot comment of my day. I can relate and I love it. Thanks for the laugh!
I haven't tried writing a sex scene in 1st person and now I don't think I want to. LOL! But I did find it funny that my mom read my book and when I asked if reading the sex scene was weird (since I wrote it, not because she doesn't read sex) she said not at all.
Which weirded me out even more.
First person sex is a bit…squishy.
*blink*
Are we still talking about writing or ... Don't answer that. TMI. And Squishy? Eeewwwwww! That's almost as icky of a word as .... moist! EwwwwEwwewwwwww. I need a drink, Chance. Just don't put anything in it that is squishy! Or ookie or ... Well. I guess that a drink has to be moist. Just, don't make it squishy moist ookie.
In other words ...
Make it wet. Just not Wet wet.
No squishy moist ookie wet wet.
Or as I like to call it SMOWW. No SMOWW! that's all I'm asking, no SMOWW! SMOWW? SMOWW. not to be confused with the sm-mooing sounds that a cow with a cold makes ...
So much for you calling me, brilliant Chance! :)
Just give the woman a dry martini. With a firm olive.
Now that was Brilliant, Terri! LOL
Get your mind outta the gutter, Julie! Brain squishy, not the other sort of squishy.
Sheesh!
New drink...the Squishy Julie. Not too wet, just wet enough. A basic dry martini, per the Bo'sun's brilliance.
Brain squishy?
Gee ... I guess This is why I could not write a love/sex scene if my life depended on it. I don't have a Squishy Brain.
Sigh.
Life is sooooo Unfair!
Speaking of brains, which reminds me of heads
*cough*
I bet that you don't Go ahead and call me brilliant again, darling.
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