Hi everyone,
I usually write in 1st person, now that I'm writing something in 3rd I'm finding it confusing conveying the character's internal thoughts. I know there are a number of ways of doing this, and was wondering which techniques people tend to favour, and which, in you prefer when reading?
Can I use all of the different techniques in the one MS? Or is better to stick to the one or two?
Thanks in advance
Thanks Adrian,
Hi Claire.
Whether you choose to write in the first-person, or third, be careful to avoid the pitfall of using streams-of-thought to explain to the reader what is obvious to other characters. It’s a lazy way to convey information.
Skilful writers use streams-of-thought to disclose things about a character that can't be revealed in any other way.
A few examples for you to consider:
A highly individual experience.
A character revealing secrets about their past.
A character revealing their true feelings about others.
Examples that let the reader into their inner world of a character.
The character in your novel could express their anger at the lack of visitors, the poor level of care, their suffering, or perhaps, you could reveal an event from their past.
I hope that helps.
Good luck.
Thanks Lorraine. That's very helpful. I remember that part of your book. I'll take another look that chapter. I really enjoyed your book, as you know, and was never confused as to who was thinking what when reading your book - so yes it obviously did work well.