Salutations all. I am an amateur writer, and I'm about to begin writing a series. There will be absolutely no sex scenes, so any romance will be PG-13 and below (the reason I point this out is because then gender will have no effect on sex if there are no sex scenes). There's going to be a lot of books in this series (as it will have a few… sub-series in it, I guess), so there will be both male and female protagonists in different ones. However, I would like to know the opinions of some readers: do you prefer to read male or female POV's? Do women tend to prefer female, and men tend to prefer male? Ironically, although I'm a female, I prefer to read male POV. Also, do you prefer first or third person? Present or past? Please let me know your opinions and feedback. I will probably write every variation within the series at some point, but I would like to know most people's preference.
I don't really have a preference for male or female POVs really (I'm female as well). Tense is something that I don't really have a preference on. In fact it's not really something that I really pay a huge amount of attention to.
I do prefer third person narration over first person though. I find that a lot of times first person narrations are really dull and devoid of personality which makes them not so fun to read. Of course that's not always the case, and I'll still read books that are written in the first person. However, when I think of all the books that I really hated, most of them were written in the first person 🤔
edit: Just wanting to add that I do have preferences for writing though. I write more male protags (I don't know why. I'm trying to work on making more female protags though). Third person because I find it easier to describe things. I do have a few stories written in first person which I like because it's easier to tap into the character's inner monologue. Generally though, I prefer writing in third person POV. All my stuff is written in the past tense. For some reason that's just what I default to.
I also don't have a preference for male or female POVs (I'm genderfluid). I prefer to read third person in past tense. But if it is in first person, I prefer present tense.
Idk… I like writing female more? (I’m a dude.) I think a female character just happens to be a better character as a protagonist, but that’s probably just based on the limited amount of literature I have consumed. Plus Clary from TMI sucked.
There is no better tense or person. They just have different uses and difficulties.
Present tense and first person combo is the most intimate, yet one of the hardest to do right. (Excepting the lesser used ones such as second person, first person plural, etc.)
Third person past is possibly the easiest to do, but is the most done so it could (as far as this sort of thing does) appear slightly bland. But no worries. Many many good books (in fact most books) are done in this manner.
Yes she sucked both on the show and books
Thank you all for your feedback!! Personally I vary from what I like to write, because each way seems to have its own interesting perks (and problems). I do like the intimacy of first person, but with third person you can kind of capture a bit more of other character's personalities as well and you don't feel so trapped. If first person is done wrong, it sucks and is super boring. If it's done right, it's very good.
I am going to try to cover many different ways of writing, but again, I appreciate your guys' comments and input!! ^u^
@The-Althalosian
I also saw that you're a Tolkien fan! Kudos to you, because his books are AMAZING.
I've read quite a few books, and depending on how a female protag is done, she can either make or break the story. I think the only reason I tend to lean more towards male protagonists is because I've read a lot of books where the girl is very shallow (yes, even when written by female authors -_-), and I suppose it rubs me the wrong way because I'm unable to relate to a girl like that. I do, however, love it when the girl is done right, so I guess it really depends more on the author or the character rather than the actual gender of the protagonist.
Third person, past tense is indeed the most used, so sometimes it does feel a bit overused. I hadn't even thought of first person, plural. I feel like that would be an extremely… uh… odd thing to try to do.
I've read a lot of books where the girl is very shallow (yes, even when written by female authors -_-
It's true and you should say it.
@The-Althalosian
I also saw that you're a Tolkien fan! Kudos to you, because his books are AMAZING.
I've read quite a few books, and depending on how a female protag is done, she can either make or break the story. I think the only reason I tend to lean more towards male protagonists is because I've read a lot of books where the girl is very shallow (yes, even when written by female authors -_-), and I suppose it rubs me the wrong way because I'm unable to relate to a girl like that. I do, however, love it when the girl is done right, so I guess it really depends more on the author or the character rather than the actual gender of the protagonist.
Third person, past tense is indeed the most used, so sometimes it does feel a bit overused. I hadn't even thought of first person, plural. I feel like that would be an extremely… uh… odd thing to try to do.
Tolkien is the best worldbuilder ever. LotR was my favorite book for a very long time.
Yeah. To do We works best in short story form.
Tolkien is the best worldbuilder ever. LotR was my favorite book for a very long time.
He really did do an impressive job!! It was amazing how much thought and time he put into the backstory and worldbuilding. I love both the story and the world he made. I also like CS Lewis's Narnia, and the Christian message behind that. Even without the Christian message, Narnia also has a pretty interesting world and setup (I love that Lewis and Tolkien were friends, too!! It's inspiring to hear how they encouraged each other so much). Non-Christians can enjoy Narnia too, even just for the lore and plot. Although I love Narnia, I think I may prefer the way Tolkien's books are written, but that's nothing against good ol' CS Lewis.
Also, apologies for such long messages. I just love talking stories with new people who seem to share similar interests! ^u^
What types of story genres do you prefer? My preference varies. Typically interesting plots and action capture my attention. For a woman, I'm not into romance much. I like maybe a small romance here and there in a story, but it's not needed for me to enjoy it, and I don't prefer it to be the focal point of the plot. I usually like sci-fi, dystopias, and some fantasy as well. It all depends on how it's done, really, because a real-world setting can be super interesting too in some instances. Sometimes I like the more realistic ones too because it resonates with reality and what might actually be possible, but it's hard not to like a good speculative fiction as well. :)
I don’t mind the long messages. In fact, I like them. It shows that you both care and find interest with me.
What Tolkien have you read besides LotR and The Hobbit? Btw I’m rereading a commentary on The Hobbit called Exploring J. R. R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit And I quite recommend it for a beautiful and easy in-depth analysis. I’m reading The Horse and His Boy to my little sibs right now. It’s probably my favorite of the seven. Possibly because it is such a good stand alone story, as well as Bree and Aravis’s character arcs.
Tolkien’s style of writing is so beautiful. I don’t really do romance books but the beginning of The Steward and the King is my go to comfort food of literature.
I am a very romantic dude (at least some of my friends would really doubt this because of my very critical/logical personality) so I love a good romance. But pretty much always as a subplot. I love fantasy type, but for me to be wholly invested it needs a good storyline, good worldbuilding, good arcs, and no big plot hole. Lookin’ at you KotLC economy. A great magic system on the side I see always a good bonus.
Right now I’m reading A Brave New World and * that is a dystopia.
Also I’m writing a sci-fi.
Thank you!! I'm very much enjoying this conversation!
I own the Silmarillion, but I've only just started it. I believe it's more of just short stories and explaining the lore of LotR, but it seems interesting so far. Besides that, I unfortunately haven't read any more of Tolkien's books.
I will admit, a good romance as a subplot can be hard to beat. I'm currently reading The Redwing Saga by Sharon K. Gilbert, and romance is the main subplot. I guess I typically rule romance out of my likes because people often get the important that that's a woman's favorite genre and that they like to read a lot of erotic scenes– and I really… don't. (I'm not saying those people are sexist or anything bad about them, it's just an easy thing to assume considering a lot of women do like that stuff.)
The only real fantasies I've read are of course Tolkien's, the Narnia series, and another unpublished book by my personal friend.
I have always wanted to read a Brave New World, but I actually never have. Do you like it so far?
Especially given your love of good books and world building, I imagine your sci-fi will be amazing once it is finished!
I took too many writing projects upon myself, because I got a bit overzealous, but now I'm finally forcing myself to sit down and focus on one in particular. But, I digress.
Tips non existent hat Very welcome.
I haven’t read it, but I read parts of the first Lost Tales. I honestly am not a Tolkien scholar, though I like hanging around with those who are.
Tell me more about the Redwing Saga. Perhaps I shall take a good look at it.
Brave New World is good. It’s really intense though. A little scary as I can see how our world could come close to it. If you are near my age I would say go ahead and read it. (I am nineteen.)
Why thank you! I have really only one planet that has a lot of work put into it, and it isn’t even the main one. But that’s worldbuilding isn’t it? But I have a nice political system being set up. And if you ever feel like chatting about building humanoids I’m always up for it.
Good for you. I did a small piece of writing recently. But I haven’t done anything writing wise in a while. I’m stuck on attempting to create multiple cultures at the moment.
I'm not a scholar for anything either really, although I will admit I have a fairly extensive knowledge of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes. I love to hang around with anyone who shares similar interests around any good literature or fandoms, because I am, needless to say, a geek.
Ah, the Redwing Saga. Well, I'm only in the first book, but it's essentially about terrible crimes revolving around Jack the Ripper. This is a Christian book, and I think this book's theme is going to reveal that the Ripper's murders are actually a type of evil ritual… so it does have some dark undertones. But, the main protagonist is a police officer who is in love with a Duchess that he saved many years before. The Ripper is for some reason bent on getting her– possibly because of her relation to the royal family. Typically these books aren't really my style, and my description doesn't do it justice, but I do enjoy it so far. I obviously do read quite a few Christian books (I am a Christian) but many of these are enjoyable to non Christians as well. :)
I am very close to your age. Although I prefer not specify due to the fact that many people may read this and I am mildly reclusive, I am between the range of 17-21 (many people say I behave very responsibly for being a young adult). I will definitely have to look into Brave New World!
Definitely worldbuilding! I've never made a new special planet in any of my current worlds, but I applaud you, as I can only imagine how difficult that must be. I assume it requires a lot of originality and inspiration. As far as humanoids and races go, I love the ideas of such but have never made specific ones of my own. I do think it's an interesting subject, though! I've tried a few cultures, but alas, I feel like most of those attempts backfired on me.
Sorry for delayed responses. It's been a busy day!
No need to apologize.
Sherlock is fabulous. I got a mini collection of random tales of his for a dollar. Needless to say I enjoyed it much. My friend Eris (you’ll see her around) also has a love of old books. Part of why I got along so well with her.
Well they do sound interesting, but probably not my type.
I too am a Christian. What kind are you? And do you know church history?
Beware on Brave New World. If you thought 1984 had a lot of sex in it it’s nothing compared to this. Though so far none has been gratuitous.
Attempts to accept applause with humility and grace Lol.
Yeah. Culture can be tough. But I found a good post on Pinterest to help with that.
Oh, yay! I don't have many friends that are Sherlock fans (actually I really only have one friend in person, as I am socially selective, but that's beside the point)! I have the entire series, as well as a book about Conan Doyle and a brief description of each story.
Ah, wonderful! Kudos to Eris.
Have you ever read Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, by Jules Vern?
If it weren't for the, say, intriguing, dare I say, spiritual aspects of the Redwing Saga (as it does this from a Christian perspective) it might not be up my alley either, but nevertheless I do enjoy it. It's not old, but it's written to mirror an older style.
I do know some church history, although not nearly as much as I would like. I would appreciate for someone to teach me, although I do suppose it's possible for me to look it up myself. My closest friend is Baptist, and we get along well. Although I typically consider myself "non-denominational," I'm very firm in many of ny beliefs but open-minded to anything anyone else can suggest with biblical proof. I suppose the closest denomination one could consider me is Pentecostal. I typically use KJV or NKJV Bibles, because they're my favorite translations. What about you, my friend? It is great to meet another Christian so interested in literature!!
Ah, thank you for the warning! I appreciate that much.
Pinterest has been super handy for me. I'm a writer/worldbuilder, but I'm also a digital artist (I draw characters), so tips and references are always a blessing.
Edit (I added this later):
I would just to show my appreciation and respect by saying: Thank you very much for being so… interesting!!! It's not often that I'm able to engage in such intriguing conversations with people that I don't know well. You seem like such a creative, logical (yet undeniably kind), intelligent individual with a good sense of humor!! I also can't go without complimenting your speech and grammar, because it's becoming a bit less common to find people who use it correctly.
Well I am glad to find another Sherlockian of the book sort, though I would be wrong if I called myself a true fan. (I don’t think I am a true fan of anything now that I think about it. I sometimes wonder if I’m missing out on something.)
Indeed. I actually own the book thanks to my grandparents. It’s a good read, though I will admit that many parts in my opinion are only truly interesting to a marine biologist.
I know a little, my mother being a convert and far more intelligent and logical than I.
I identify most strongly with the Charismatic Episcopal Church though I am rather at home in a Catholic church and would like to feel the same about the Orthodox. I’m all about old tradition and church unity.
As for the warning, you are most welcome. The book is fascinating, but horribly so that n parts. Realistic in a way.
I believe I’m a King James fellow. The older the copy the better. The old psalter is the only reason I instinctively know how to use thou properly. As well as learning it’s linguistic significance in Les Miserables, a fine book let me assure you. My favorite in fact.
Pinterest is wonderful. The only problem is that I can (and many times have) spend hours upon hours on it. As for the artistry, if you see Nutella around, she is a fabulous digital artist. Her latest masterpiece, a practice for anatomy, was incredible.
I thank you most heartily. I am most glad to be considered an interesting type. You praise me highly.
As for the grammar, I must confess it sprang solely- well not solely. Partially from the desire to stand out from the Other People I am slightly ashamed to admit. The other reason, of course, came purely from the romantic feelings Tolkien inspired. (By the way have you read A Wizard of Earthsea? Another fabulous work that created my love of fantasy.)
I have the opposite problem, being a 'true fan' of far too many things– Sherlock being one of my favorites, although I don't know if I can clearly define one true favorite– and therefore being the epitome of what most people would call a geek. But I accept this title and bear it well, because, after all, geeks are interesting.
I own the book as well. After reading it for a school requirement when I was in 10th grade (I think?), I fell in love with it and ordered it from Amazon. Some of the details do seem to be mainly interesting only to someone who is very enthralled with underwater life, but I do still love the book.
I have never been in a Catholic church, although from what I've seen many of the buildings are quite beautiful and elegant. I am not Catholic, but no disrespect to them; I just don't share their exact beliefs (most of which, if I'm being 100% honest, I do not fully understand), because I am a Protestant. I do, however, enjoy studying the original King James Bible, as well as doing in-depth research that involves the original meanings of the Hebrew words used in many passages. A great deal of interesting things can be discovered from doing this as well, and it can also be quite fun. For me, it's easy to get caught up in the Bible and how deep it can truly be once you delve into it.
I have the same problem with Pinterest, and I usually tell myself before hand, "You'll only be on here a few moments," only to find myself still browsing at 3:00 AM. So, you know, that can be a bit troublesome at times.
I'm a fairly "new" digital artist, as I've only had my drawing tablet since April. But, my drawing skills have improved and my goal is to be able to correctly draw my characters.
I don't blame you from wanting to stand out, because to be honest, I have absolutely no desire to fit in with most people and therefore enjoy it when someone tells me I'm odd, abnormal, or strange. A friend I met some time ago told me many times when I did something (often something unnecessarily kind, but sometimes just something odd, as I do), "Most people don't do that," and I would reply simply, "Well, I'm not most people." Lol. But, it is true.
Ah, I have never heard of A Wizard of Earthsea. Tell me more about it, because I am already intrigued.
Geeks are indeed interesting. I have a friend (?.. Yeah, friend.) named John who is a huge Tolkien geek. Kind of why I found him so appealing as a companion.
So what do you think is your favorite book?
Some Catholic churches are very beautiful. Though I think Orthodox churches still retain some of the beauty that it seems has been washed away as modern times go on. I went to one in California once and the place was amazing. Iconography everywhere. The entire building was a work of art.
If you don’t mind we can have some conversations about religion etc. I do enjoy debating quite a bit.
I call things like Pinterest whirlpools sometimes. One minute you’re chilling on the couch, the next the sun is setting and you have no idea how it happened.
I wish I could do that, but I can. Or at least I will not put the amount of time and effort necessary into developing that skill.
Truly I am glad you understand. Many of our generation I find undesirable. But I also find none is without interest if you take the time to know them.
And yes, being odd is a great thing.
It is written in a way that is sort of like Tolkien and Lewis. It is a story about a boy who becomes a wizard- Dang this sounds like a HP knockoff. It’s not. In fact I think it might be better. It’s written in both an older style, and also the tale evokes an older world if you understand my meaning. It, besides Tolkien, shaped how I see fantasy. There are no elves or the like, but there is ancient magic, malicious powers of old, and the best written old dragon I have ever read. All in all, it’s fabulous and you really should read it. It was written by Ursula LeGuin.
My aforementioned friend, Hannah, is the only friend that I'm very close to besides my family. She enjoys many of the same things I do, but her knowledge of Tolkien doesn't exceed my own by a whole lot– although I feel like she knows more about CS Lewis than I. She has written an unpublished fantasy trilogy, and fantasy seems to be her favorite genre.
My favorite book? That's a tricky one. Do you mean by Tolkien or in general? Both questions are hard, and I guess I would have to think on it some. I love too many books, so I'm a bit… indecisive.
Oh! That sounds amazing. I have only seen pictures of some of the beautiful churches like that, but I've never been inside one. There's only one Catholic church in my area, and it's rather small; I've never been in it, either. I've also never been to California, but it sounds like the experience was very fun!
I don't mind religious conversations at all!! I don't mind debating with other logical individuals, but I usually don't as most people nowadays get offended so easily. I don't like arguing, but I do enjoy logic-based discussions, because sometimes both people can learn things from such conversations, and I'm always willing to listen to other people's views and beliefs because I find them interesting! ^u^
I think things like "whirlpools" have devoured a great deal of my life.
I know exactly what you mean! Everyone is interesting in one way or another, but I find it difficult to relate to many people my age. That said, it always makes one appreciate those they can relate when we happen to stumble upon them, because it's like finding a four-leaf-clover or something rare.
That actually sounds really interesting!!!! I will definitely have to look into it.
It’s always nice to have a friend like that.
WAIT WHAT! Like, she finished it? If so…. Man, that is an accomplishment.
I meant in general. Though I do understand the struggle of choosing a favorite. Random thing, but you enjoy Princess Bride right? The movie. It is the one movie that I actually think is better than the book. But that partially has to do with it being such a favorite among so many people, my family included. Speaking of family, how many siblings do you have? I have seven.
California was great. I think that was a trip where we went to Legoland so, fun times.
Wonderful. I do quite enjoy a good debate. I know though! People are so easy offended these days. But if you can get past the hordes of people that type all in caps and speak irrationally, you can find quite a few people of opposing ideas who are very good at having long, intelligent discussions.
Indeed. The entire gen Z is extremely odd. Yet I will admit I extract pleasure from such things as Vines.
Do! It is really good. I plan on starting it with my siblings today as we finished The Horse and His Boy last night.
It is wonderful to have fun friends! She's about to finish up the third book. I know she's nearing the end of it. I have read the first book and most of the second, and I do like her books.
Ah! I have never seen the Princess Bride, and I've never read the book, either. I've heard it's really good, and I would be more than willing to watch it if the option ever arose. I don't think anyone in my family would be willing to watch a movie like that with me though, because their likes are honestly a lot different than mine for the most part.
That's a lot of siblings, and that's awesome! I only have one sibling– a younger brother (who happens to be about 7 inches taller than me, but that's beside the point).
Legoland honestly sounds awesome. I don't care how old I am, Legos are still awesome. But, as much as I like travel, I haven't been around much, to tell the truth. I haven't had the chance, but in the future I do intend (Lord willing) to travel and explore a bit more. I've never seen the ocean, nor rode a plane.
Yes! I very much agree!! It's nice to find someone else who feels the same way about discussions like that as I do. I feel like people forget that it's okay to disagree, but everyone should be capable of disagreeing without, y'know, spazzing out. Lol!
I'm not going to lie; I had never seen a Vine until a few weeks ago when my brother began making me stay up until nearly 3 or 4 AM watching them with him… and… I had no regrets. I'm pretty sure we have watched every clean Vine in existence within a few weeks, and they're pretty hilarious, so Gen Z got something right I guess.
Oh, awesome! Yes, I'll definitely see about it. I'll also ask my friend if she has heard of it, since she has read a lot of books as well. Did your siblings enjoy The Horse and His Boy?
Wow. Awesome.
You should watch it. And it is really a movie that can be watched by everyone. It has royal schemings, a love story, comedy, and possibly the best sword fight in cinematic history.
My oldest sister came close to me. But she never actually reached my height. For that I am glad. I occasionally pat her on the head because of that.
Legos are great. Though I seem to play less and less with them as I grow older. A pity.
I have never left the western states myself. Though my older brother went to Hawaii, he was only an inch tall at that point.
Exactly! The ones like that are quite good friends to have.
Indeed that do. What a time to be alive eh?
Great! And yes they did. Immensely.
I will definitely try to watch it sometime!
Well, he's 6'2" (and I don't think he has stopped growing yet, so we'll see what happens) and broad-shouldered, so everyone typically thinks he's a lot older than he actually is. Actually, many have thought he was older than me, and then I have to correct them by stating that I am indeed the oldest. XD I'm around 5'5" or so; I'm not short, but I feel it when looking up to my younger (yet, larger) brother.
I haven't played with them for some time, which is actually unfortunate because they're fun. My brother has a large collection, and I have several mini-figures (my personal favorite being Bob Ross) that I've collected over the years.
Ironically, I've never left the more eastern states. I think I may have left the Eastern Time Zone once, but only for about a day or two when I was in TN. I've only been on two vacations in my life, both of which were three-days each and in different parts of Tennessee. Once was a writing conference, which was a lot of fun.
Truly!!
This is an interesting day and age to live in, and I often ponder that as well as daydream what it would've been like to live in past time-periods or what it will be like in the future. Unfortunately, I'm more worried about the future than I am hopeful, but I digress again.
Wonderful!! ^u^
Good. It’s a real classic that deserves the respect it has gathered.
Man I wish I was taller. I’m 5,11 and I feel like everyone is disappointingly short instead of myself being tall. Though my shoulders were once ecstatically complimented by Shuri (you’ll see him around too, great guy) so that was pretty great. My sister is always being taken for older. And until very recently I was always taken for younger. (I was taken for a twelve year old when renting a tux once.) It wasn’t too bad. Helped me get away with my more childish behavior, not to mention help surprise folks with my conversation skills. So my sister and I at one point decided to be twins and that was that.
Bob Ross. Nice.
I’ve left my time zone before. But possibly only once as well, though perhaps once or twice more.
Oof. I feel. The future is a scary place. Especially for me, getting older and all that.
