Ha! Managed to get my web browser to go back & recapture. Here's what I said in that first, doomed post:
Like anything to do with writing, it's situational.
Situation A: I have a plot point I want to reveal, but there's no way of revealing it with the POV I've been working from, so I throw in Character X's point of view...but I intend to go right back to my MC afterwards and Character X will never have POV again.
Blech. No. Don't do it. If you have a valid reason for switching POV AND plan to use that POV consistently, then it's not at all distracting. In my novel, the first 3 chapters are all from the female MC's POV, then switches at the head of Ch. 4 to the male POV. Part of that was to reveal info that couldn't come out otherwise--who the character REALLY is, and why he's there, and to give an external viewpoint on the FMC. But from Ch. 4 on, it intertwines both POVs at various times, which keeps cohesive narrative. So if you plan to USE the other character's POV then go for it, but if it's just to get this ONE plot twist/point across, then find another way.
(BTW, the "experts" I've read also say the same--just to establish some cred. LOL)
I started Camo, but didn't finish it (we must be on the same wavelength; I was JUST thinking about it today!). I think you're an evil wench for messing with me & Zoe's relationship. I don't know if I'm ever going to look at her the same. I don't want to give detailed feedback here (although I will, later, through email, when I've finished it). But it's a fascinating fic. I am really intrigued/fascinated/jealous-admiring of the emotional overtones. *I* feel as betrayed as Mal will/does/must, like she's actually hurt *me*. It's the same syndrome; you start replaying every moment in your head, looking for the clues you overlooked. It's great. Some of the prose is a little clunky, but the story is rock-solid. I know you're not pressuring...but I'll try to finish it up this week and get back to you with some meaty crit stuff.
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sarken
(no subject)
Date: 2005-07-09 06:38 pm (UTC)Ha! Managed to get my web browser to go back & recapture. Here's what I said in that first, doomed post:
Like anything to do with writing, it's situational.
Situation A: I have a plot point I want to reveal, but there's no way of revealing it with the POV I've been working from, so I throw in Character X's point of view...but I intend to go right back to my MC afterwards and Character X will never have POV again.
Blech. No. Don't do it. If you have a valid reason for switching POV AND plan to use that POV consistently, then it's not at all distracting. In my novel, the first 3 chapters are all from the female MC's POV, then switches at the head of Ch. 4 to the male POV. Part of that was to reveal info that couldn't come out otherwise--who the character REALLY is, and why he's there, and to give an external viewpoint on the FMC. But from Ch. 4 on, it intertwines both POVs at various times, which keeps cohesive narrative. So if you plan to USE the other character's POV then go for it, but if it's just to get this ONE plot twist/point across, then find another way.
(BTW, the "experts" I've read also say the same--just to establish some cred. LOL)
I started Camo, but didn't finish it (we must be on the same wavelength; I was JUST thinking about it today!). I think you're an evil wench for messing with me & Zoe's relationship. I don't know if I'm ever going to look at her the same. I don't want to give detailed feedback here (although I will, later, through email, when I've finished it). But it's a fascinating fic. I am really intrigued/fascinated/jealous-admiring of the emotional overtones. *I* feel as betrayed as Mal will/does/must, like she's actually hurt *me*. It's the same syndrome; you start replaying every moment in your head, looking for the clues you overlooked. It's great. Some of the prose is a little clunky, but the story is rock-solid. I know you're not pressuring...but I'll try to finish it up this week and get back to you with some meaty crit stuff.