Do POV switches in stories take away from the over-all flow?

Question

I'm writing the first chapter of a new story I want to submit to a website. In all but a few of my other stories I have used the "POV switch", wich means te story can go from first person, to 3rd person, to first person (but with a different narrorator) all in one story/chapter. I'm starting to think that maybe this isn't such a good tactic, but I've seen it used so much I'm not to sure. And also, its sometimes nice and easier to "get" a story when you go through different points of veiws... But I'm wondering...is this tactic to "amateur"? Or should I go ahead and use it?

Answer 1

Many authors use POV switches quite successfully. Just beware though. When you are writing in the first person, you are limited as a narrator to reporting only on things the narrator knows, thinks and sees. You cannot report on things that happen elsewhere or on other people's knowledge or thoughts. Hence, the technique of switching POV - especially in mysteries when sometimes you need to dispense clues and other times you want to withhold information for suspense and the surprise ending. Pax-C

Answer 2

Actually, I sort of like the POV switch tactic. However, I would suggest having a third person omniscient, and simply using that to pierce into the thoughts and views of the characters. This way, the flow of the story is not broken by the switch.



The tactic is not amateur. In fact, not very many authors can use it and use it well. It does not take away from the story. In most cases, it actually makes the story much better.

Answer 3

some memories are superb written in 1st individual and others in third individual. on the grounds that your on your first draft, you may test with what you desire. I say write it such as you have it appropriate now and notice the way it flows. If it doesnt paintings, you may continuously use third individual on a revise draft. some writers are skillful adequate that they can apply third individual POV, and it look merely approximately like it is 1st individual POV. Ultimatly, your the author of the story and you decide on on the variety you desire to do it. With writing, there are no longer any taboo's on a thank you to do issues, nicely, so some distance as I comprehend it, lol. I usually use third individual POV, as i like to function a good number of characters pov interior the story as i'm writing it. stable success!!!!

Answer 4

Two of my favourite authors, Mary Higgins Clark and James Patterson, switch between first and third person a lot through their books (Patterson more so - Clark began writing her books sticking strictly to third person).



Their books flow just fine.



However - if you're changing different first person perspectives (Chapter one is from Jimmy's POV first person - and chapter two is from Susan's first person POV) that may become a tad confusing unless clearly marked that the reader is now seeing things through Susan's as opposed to Jimmy's eyes.



Good luck.

Answer 5

Nikki,



IMHO, POV switches are ok if separated with a scene break. Within the same scene, however, they can be jarring and pulls the reader away from the story, leaving them wondering "what the heck just happened". Your average joe reader may not pick up on a pov shift but since most writers are readers, too, they can spot one immediately.



Just my opinion . . .

Lynn