Wednesday, August 08, 2007

A Change of View

So I was having trouble with a scene the other night. It just wouldn't come. I even sat and stared at the computer screen, but nope. It wouldn't happen. Then a voice from some talk some time in the past came to me...

If it's not working try changing the POV.


So I did and guess what... It worked! I was shocked. I had originally been writing the scene from the hero's POV. Mainly because I felt like I had spent long enough in the heroine's. But really the scene is more complex and emotional for the heroine.

I realized in hindsight that the reason I kept getting stymied is I wanted to write something about her thoughts. But I kept having to stop of course. Obviously I was more connected to her than him in the scene and I guess that means the reader should be too.

What about you? Have you ever been stuck in a scene and switched the POV and it take off for you?

April

PS I'm now more than 30% through... Finally this sucker is moving some!

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Yep. And you're right it's often the key. I've also realized that sometimes the scene isn't working because it isn't necessary.
WOO HOO on the progress!

Em said...

Glad it worked out for you!! I love it when something comes together like that!

Anonymous said...

I don't get stuck on POV, just how to adequately say what I want, or move the plot along. But great tip! I'll have to remember it for future reference.

Lis said...

I'll have to try that sometime :) Yay on the progress!!

Dara Edmondson said...

I've done the same thing. Pretty cool, huh?

Anonymous said...

I do that when I'm having trouble with a scene sometimes and it's amazing what a difference it makes.

Cole Reising said...

Awesome April! Yes, I've had this happen to me--lots of times. Its a great thing to keep in mind.

Cole

Shelli Stevens said...

You know that's great advice! I've never heard of that! Though it makes perfect sense. :)