forum Any first person writers?
Started by @Cassiopeia
tune

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@Cassiopeia

Hi, everyone!
I've been trying to write a first draft of a 1st person/epistolary novel (similar to the book thief, by Markus Zusak) for quite some time now, but I've gotten myself into quite the rut. I've re-written the first paragraph, I kid you not, nine times in the last three weeks or so. When I write a paragraph that I can half-tolerate, I then get stuck and cannot continue.
I figured I might as well turn to notebook, since you guys so often have great advice and have really helped me out in the past! So here are just a couple questions regarding things I've been having trouble with!

  • How do you introduce characters in a way that feels organic??
  • How do you write character actions/dialogue?
  • Is it easier to write in past or present tense?
  • Would you recommend planning out every aspect of a scene before writing it, or just winging it?
  • Do you have any general tips for writing in first person?
    I would greatly appreciate any advice anyone can give, this has been bothering me to NO end. 😭😭
    —L.C.

@Althalosian-is-the-father book

(I want to help but I'm not sure so..)

  1. Like, the protag? Or others. Whatever the case, if you're doing 1stPov you're seeing everything through a very subjective lens. Write it as such. To do that you must know your character well enough to know what they will think or see in most situations.
  2. I think this is a very general question not related to 1stPov. But it depends on what it is. But remember the lens.
  3. Probably past. But present lessens the psychological distance. (That's what it's called?)
  4. That all depends on what kind of writer you are. But perhaps think about the situations after you have a firm grip on who they are and find out what they would do before you plan it so that they don't break character for plot.