Writing Style -- First Person vs Third Person

[Caliban]

Penumbra:
I just finished "Modal Sojourn" I have as of yet to read "Cinderfall." It was pretty amazing work. The imagery was incredibly complex, yet I found myself able to follow it.It's quite a lesson in First Person perspective. Thank you.
I would offer more comment, but I don't really feel qualified.


[This message has been edited by Caliban (edited November 12, 2001).]

[Giarc]

I too vastly prefer the third person perspective and, until recently, I would immediately replace any first person books I stumbled across right back on their shelves. Where they belong. Harrumph.

Then I got bored and my wife forced me to open my mind. Gotta hate that. So I read the Magic of Recluse by LE Modessit (sp?) and had to admit, with much reluctance and quite loud grumbling (no...it wasn't the pizza-gut phenomenon,) that it was actually quite good. And now I've just read the first Robin Hobb Farseer book and, shard it all, I really liked that too. What's a bigotted first-person-phobe supposed to do? It really isn't fair. I enjoyed my comfortable anti-1st person lifestyle. I paid my membership fees. I voted for freedom from the 1st person tyranny and yet...I now find myself scouring second hand book stores for the second farseer book written in that tempting, evil, wonderful, sickening, seductive, in-your-face first person narrative. Someone help me!

[Cadfael]

Giarc... sorry brother, but we have you now and we are not letting you go... you are doomed

[Andy Bee]

Interesting to read differing viewpoints on this thorny subject. I've just completed First Draft of my First Novel and after reading three self-editing novels, am now confused as to whether to change my 3rd Person Omniscient work into First Person or to leave well alone.

Robin Hobb did a wonderful job with the Farseers and I have enduring memories of the relationship between Fitz and Nighteyes. Would that have been as effective in 3rd Omniscient?

Would everyone agree that, as a newbie writer, I should stick to 3rd Omniscient as 1st Person is a difficult task to tackle first time out?

Would appreciate your views

Andy

[Rob B]

Andy,

First I would suggest to what you feel is appropriate for your story. Some writers write better in 1st person.

Second, let me invite you to stop by our Writing Forum where you'll find some like-minded individuals.