Hello again. Looking for pointers here, not sure if there is a hard and fast rule, still learning. (not meant as joke) in my first chapter an accident takes place and I feel to make it work it has to be seen from a number of points of view, literal points of view. so with each flip back to the beginning for the next pov do I place *** in the centre of the page between the close of one pov and the opening of the next? I do hope that is clear, it is to me but then I know what I mean!
Thank you again in advance. Regards Paul G
The *** usage should be kept for major scene breaks, Paul, if they are used at all. (That's down to house style and personal preference.) Here you are still in the same scene, just looking from different sides of the street, as it were. Try the scene with a space between each POV, and without. I'd suggest without, because then you're not dividing your characters from the event itself, just as they are all physically present at the one location. No division means you keep them together on the page as they are at the accident - a new paragraph for each POV is enough.
Lorraine
Thank you Edward and for the compliment about being intelligent enough to read read the book, I like that one!
The way you describe is exactly the way I have written the opening scene, we must share a little of the same intelligence. (my commiserations)
I have noticed some publishers use them others don't, well I am assuming it is the publishers and not the writer's style. And yes it will be interesting to read what others think on the subject. I started my sentence with an "and" my English form master would have had something to say back in the 60s, but he's dead so I can relax!!!
My thanks and regards Paul.
Paul
I recall seeing cinema films where this sort of thing happened, and it is easy on film as the director can cut in all directions. We cannot do this with a printed page.
The trouble with the division of a chapter (with asterisks, etc.), is that it can look as though the items are unconnected. I am inclined to divide into paragraphs - as normal, then use such tricks as:
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Jo, from her position at the top of the fire escape, saw….
The incident was reflected in the mirror, and Martin watched the whole event backwards. Later he had to sort out the right from the left and the left from the right, but…
Marjory was the closest. To her it seemed…
When that bright flash occurred, Simon saw the scene in sharp detail and…
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In my suggestion, because the reference to the ‘accident’ (or ‘incident’) is always contained in the first line of the paragraph, the reader immediately picks up on the style. I am of course assuming the reader is intelligent enough to be reading your book in the first place!
My suggestion could lead to rather long paragraphs, but that is a matter for your writing ability to deal with.
I am interested in seeing what others have to say.
Edward