Writing a novel from different POVs

by A. M. Techera
25th August 2015

I am currently writing my first novel (YA/Urban Fiction) and was wondering whether it is worth continuing with my original idea of writing from different character POVs? The world my story is based in is not nearly as complex as Middle Earth or Westeros and I have a feeling that differing POVs really only work on large scales like these.

And, if I do write from different POVs, does each chapter need to be a different character? Can I have two chapters in a row from the same POV? Is my protagonist still as present if other POVs occur in equal measure?

Thoughts?

Replies

Thanks for all the helpful comments - I will keep to the original plan of writing from different POVs as I don't think as much of the plot can be covered by writing from one POV.

I will definitely ensure that each chapter is only ever from one POV though as I dislike this as well when I come across it in a novel.

I'm hoping to post the prologue of my novel within the next couple of weeks so hopefully will get some feedback from that.

Thanks x

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A. M.
Techera
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A. M. Techera
26/08/2015

Mostly going to echo the sentiments that have been given below. If the story takes place over multiple places and involving multiple people that aren't together, then it is pretty much necessary. The only thing I'd add is to try to make sure that all the different strands of plot come together at the end. Even if they don't meet face to face, it is best if they at least all take part in the climax in their own way, if that makes sense.

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26/08/2015

When are you going to share some of your book on this site? Don't worry if it's in the first draught (not looking at my screen, and with my clumsy fingers, that word first came out as "fraught", pretty apposite!) stage: Unlike Q&As and comments, "shared works" can be later edited. And you might get some useful suggestions before you go too far down a wrong path.

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