In my novel writing system known as The Marshall Plan®, I stress the importance of “viewpoint writing” in forging a strong connection between your reader and your viewpoint characters. Below are the three questions I am most often asked about viewpoint writing, along with their answers.
How do I know what to describe and what not to describe in my scenes?
If it would be natural for your character to notice what a person, place, or thing looks like (e.g., he has never seen this person, place, or thing before), describe. BUT NOTE: If it’s important for the reader to know what a person, place, or thing looks like, but the character HAS seen him/her/it before, use the “description-in-action” technique: “Tears welled up in her dark brown eyes.”
How do I describe a person, place, or thing?
“Filter” your description through the sensibilities of your viewpoint character. Don’t, for example, name something whose name your character wouldn’t know. Do flavor the description with the likes/dislikes of the viewpoint character: “For dessert, Jodi served an elegant mocha mousse.” OR “For dessert, Jodi served up some kind of coffee-flavored pudding.” Additionally, write the way the character would think.
Writers are always told to stress the five senses, so is it correct to use sense verbs—saw, heard, smelled?
In most cases, no. These verbs have the opposite effect: they distance the reader. So, not this: “Amos gazed up into the tree. He saw a squirrel sitting on the branch above him.” But this: “Amos gazed up into the tree. A squirrel sat on the branch above him.” Not this: “Veronica heard the wail of a siren a few blocks away.” But this: “From a few blocks away came the wail of a siren.” Not this: “Pete sniffed. He smelled her scent, Norell, the scent of azaleas.” But this: “Pete sniffed. Her scent, Norell, the scent of azaleas, lingered in the air.”
Sometimes it’s more natural to use the sense words above—no rule is carved in granite. Felt and tasted are used more often. “He ran his hand along the vase. It felt like sandpaper.” “She took a bite of Angela’s mocha mousse. Angela had used too much coffee and it tasted bitter.”
Keep these tips in mind as you write. Your novels will be stronger for it.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Objective third is my choice. However, I like how Viewpoint Characters work ie. painting the scenes. Your views on a combination of the two. Go deep but stay objective ( No thoughts ).
Regards
Michael A. Haver, Phoenix, AZ
Hi Michael,
Doesn’t objective third person mean the narrator only knows what someone watching would know, like in a movie: we don’t know characters’ thoughts; we have only their actions and words.
So I’m not sure what you mean by “go deep.”
Personally, I think objective third person distances the reader. I always feel that one of the key features of a novel, as opposed to film, is that we ARE able to get inside characters’ heads, know what they’re thinking and feeling.
Best,
Evan
Limited/Deep I meant. Suppose I was mixing objective with limited. My problem is I enjoy objective, with that said. All my research shows that Readers want Limited. I seem to hooked on finding a POV that fits me and the reader. Perhaps a objective pov, that the character journals…….ie. Tells his THOUGHTS that way. Guess, I am trying to stand out a bit from the crowd.
Thanks ,
Michael
Hi Michael,
Firstly, if one is using “third person omniscient narrative” to write, is one still subject to viewpoint writing?
Can one describe a character without employing any particular viewpoint if one’s using “third person omniscient narrative” to write? E.g. “Despite Mr. Jones’ great reputation, he was a small, wiry man .”
Also, if it is okay to describe a character without employing another character’s viewpoint, when can one do so, and what are the acceptable ways/limits of doing so?
Please help, I have the urge to describe a character, I have seen such done by some successful writers, but I’m not sure if I am missing something, and if by doing so, I will make the story less credible, because I’ve come across warnings against doing so.
Thank you.
Regards,
AA