Okay, moving on to this month's Insecure Writer's Support Group's post and a huge thank you to this month's awesome co-hosts - Fundy Blue, Beverly Stowe McClure, Erika Beebe, and Lisa Buie-Collard! You all RAWK!
IWSG March Question:
Whose perspective do you like to write from best, the hero (protagonist) or the villain (antagonist)? And why?
 |
| MORE PARTICIPANTS |
Love this question! So far, in my middle grade novel MOTLEY EDUCATION and its sequel currently on submission, I've written from the perspective of both the hero and the villain. The majority of the story is told from the hero's POV, past tense, third person close; however, I toss in a chapter here and there from the villain's POV to give a different angle of the world I'm creating. Plus, the villain's view of the world and his/her personal backstory is always so much fun to create! For my young adult novel MARKED BEAUTY, I wrote from two separate perspective, both heroes of the tale. I did utilize my male hero as the window into the villain's persona and past, though. I really enjoyed writing his perspective that way.
What about you? Which is your favorite POV to write from? AND what about reading - which point-of-view to you rather read?
Glad you feel good with your decision. That's important. And I've never tried writing any chapters from villain's POV. Maybe if I write a mystery I will try that.
ReplyDeleteYay to a sequel! And I'm glad you're seeing a little more sunshine. Even turtle writers reach the finish line. There's no rush as long as you're happy with it.
ReplyDeleteI like writing from both, too. I love the idea of using another hero's POV to see the villain at work!
ReplyDeleteAnd, best wishes on all your endeavors for family and writing! Way to love and write!
If a slower pace lets you cope with family and life, so be it.
ReplyDeleteNever written from the villain's standpoint. Never written a villain for that matter.
You'll never regret making the choice to care for your family. And I'm sure the experience will enrich your writing in the end. Best of luck with it. You're a strong, caring person, and they're lucky to have you.
ReplyDeleteOoh, I like getting peeks into to the villain's head. Definitely adds depth to the story.
Went back and read your post from last month. I'm glad you are feeling better. Life definitely knows how to throw punches, but there is light too, and I'm glad you're finding it. I will never regret spending the time I did with my dad before he passed. You won't either even if it's hard right now. I like to write first person, I think the most, but end up writing third a lot because I head hop in most of my novels. Thanks for dropping by my blog and commenting.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for dropping by and for going back to read my post last month. Yeah, life happens to us all. Part of my problem is that I'm a major planner, so when I have to suddenly alter my plans (whether about family, business, my writing . . .) I kind of fall into a downward spiral of "I'm useless. I can't get anything done." But that's not true. The truth is I am getting things accomplished, just not what I'd intended on.
DeleteI hear you about head hopping. I've gotten better at that, doing more subtly by using third person close. I still like to be in my MC's head.
I hope all is settling down, and you're feeling better. It can be fun and difficult writing from the villain's POV. So go with it and think outside the box.
ReplyDeleteAs you tackle your present challenges, you are enriching the soil of your unconscious mind which will make your next writing all the deeper for the pains you have endured and overcome. Lately, I have been writing from the POV of a sociopath intent on blending with those around him ... but pesky people who only think they are bad keep getting in his way! :-)
ReplyDeleteA slow pace may be just the ticket. We can't fight the things that happen in our lives, only learn to live while dealing with them. Learn to write as well. And writing when we can, slowly, is perfect.
ReplyDeleteHi S.A., sounds like the support group worked well for you last month! We seem to write similarly in terms of sprinkling in the villain POV and having fun with it.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree! Both perspectives are fun and it's great to see the same world from 2 different viewpoints. Lots of fun!
ReplyDeleteGlad you're continuing to write. I know my writing time has diminished greatly due to family issues as well - but even a little time counts! Wishing you well! If you even knew to talk/commiserate/vent about the gains issues, let me know!
That's very sweet of you! I just might take you up on that offer. Like most writers, this is not the first time I've had life get in the way of my writing. But this is the first time all this life has made me feel like quitting writing. Not because I don't want to write anymore, but because I feel like there's not enough of me, right now. This is a strange feeling for me - the super mom who raced all over heck, alone (because my hubby worked so much) carting four minions to hockey games all over New England and all the other stuff. I honestly believe this is making me stronger. No, not just that. I think it's making me see things with different eyes - kind of like our heroes and villains. LOL
DeleteThat's so true! The more we experience, the more we learn and the stronger we become. You'll be SuperWoman soon!
DeleteI've never written from the antagonist's POV, but I do love getting into their heads! I'm glad you've worked things out for now, writing slower, and taking care of family. One foot in front of the other. You've got this.
ReplyDeleteAw, thank you so much for your kind words! I know most of us have said this at one time or another, but our writing community is the best.
DeleteAdding to their world. I never consider writing the villain would add to worldbuilding, but of course it can. Thanks for sharing. :-)
ReplyDeleteAnna from elements of emaginette
As a reader and writer, I'm all over the place with this.
ReplyDeleteReal people always comes first, but I'm glad you'll be able to keep writing, even if it's at a slower pace.
ReplyDeleteI'm moving at a slower pace since becoming a librarian. It's hard to accept that I can't write like I once did. But I'm getting into a routine now and I've cranked out 70 pages already in my WIP! It takes some juggling, but it will happen!
ReplyDeleteWriting the villian's POV can be so much fun!
ReplyDeleteYou have a great attitude about your life changes. Accepting what can't be changed and going from there has to be a burden lifted--if only slightly. Good luck to you.
ReplyDeleteGlad to her you are feeling better things. Wishing you the best, Juneta
ReplyDeleteHi, Sheri! I'm still making the IWSG rounds this afternoon. I went back and read your post for last month. You have been more than through it! Of course your focus has to be on ailing family members and other pressing life issues. My motto is "Some is better than none," and I apply it to all kinds of things when the going gets tough. I wish you strength and caretaker rest as you deal with it all. I hail from lobster country too, in western Nova Scotia. And I played hockey as a kid! Take care of you!
ReplyDeleteGlad you've come to some conclusions on your life circumstances. Good luck going forward.
ReplyDeleteIt's fun to throw in some of the villain's viewpoint now and again. It gives a different spin on it. Light and shade!
I like your attitude in dealing with your life changes. You rock! It sounds like you're doing a lot of writing. Writing from the villain's viewpoint would be a fun thing to do. Maybe I should try it some time.
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy that you're still making time to write. I know it's hard, but you are brave. Looking forward to reading your next one. Best wishes to you.
ReplyDelete