Comments on: In Defense of the First-Person Narrator

By: Katrina Ohio

Katrina Ohio — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 12:10:03 +0000

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By: Monday Morning Stepback: At What Point in the Writing Process Do Writers Think About What Will Sell? « Read React Review

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 09:59:56 +0000

[...] Lynn at All About Romance is defending the first person narrator. [...]

By: Belle

Belle — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 20:13:23 +0000

No one mentioned Jane Eyre, another gothic. It is written first person, too as I recall–Don’t some chapters begin Dear Reader?

The other great gothic–Wuthering Heights–is also in first person, but from different points of view–never Catherine or Heathcliff, again, as I recall.

By: Jacqueline

Jacqueline — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 19:31:02 +0000

I’m glad this is being discussed, because I’m one of the “can’t-read-first-person” individuals, and always have been.

It isn’t so much that I have any animosity or stubborn refusal to simply NOT read first person, quite the opposite actually. I’ve tried time and again to read this writing style, and it never fails- regardless of how amazing the plot sounds, once I start reading, my mind just can’t connect with any of the characters, least of all the narrator. (Which is a bit sad and random, I know, but true nonetheless).

One of the book series that I have tried time and again, one that I find SO interesting and would love to be able to enjoy is Karen Marie Moning’s Fae Fever series. Yet no matter how many times I try, my mind won’t stay focused on the story, and I end up just putting aside and moving on.

It’s very frustrating, knowing that I’m missing many great stories out there, and yet despite my desire to WANT to read these types of books, I just can’t make my mind stay interested in the story. I don’t get “sucked in” like I do with third person writing.

By: library addict

library addict — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:35:44 +0000

Sadly, I tend to avoid first person POV nowadays because I have read so many books where it was poorly done.

If I am interested enough in the plot, I will still read it. As others have said, a good book is a good book regardless of the POV. But for the most part I prefer getting both the protagonists’ POV when I read a romance.

My favorite first person POV book is Presumed Innocent by Scott Turow. It was one of those books I stayed up to finish because I couldn’t put it down.

By: katie bug

katie bug — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 18:22:40 +0000

“The Gargoyle” is a fabulous first person read and the narrator is a man. For an even better treat get the audio read by Lincoln Hoppe. It has everything. Romance, mystery,suspence I could go on and on. What a great blog. I learned a new word today too. iambic.

By: Tara from NS

Tara from NS — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 15:31:05 +0000

This is a weird question, but where do you get the image that is at the top of this blog (white gumby man with the pen) …. I would like to purchase the clips to add to presentations?

By: Lynn Spencer

Lynn Spencer — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 04:16:43 +0000

@ Janey Mullany and JulieLeto – No, I didn’t realize that, but thanks for pointing it out. I noticed the hypnotic quality of it, but that was all. Very cool catch!

By: Kami

Kami — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:35:43 +0000

My dislike of first person stems from overuse and misuse. It’s wonderful in books like “Rebecca” and “Ellen Foster”. It’s not so wonderful when it’s used in every other romance, fantasy, chick lit book out there. First person is so specific, so pointed in its narrative, that most mass market authors out there don’t do it justice. In my opinion, first person should be used sparingly. Even the Stephanie Plum and Anita Blake would be better in third person, imo. It’s hard for me to get into first person narratives. I’ve tried to “get over it” but just can’t. It’s like peas. I’ve never liked them, and I probably never will.

By: Janet Mullany

Janet Mullany — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 23:45:05 +0000

JulieLeto: Janet…cool catch…but wouldn’t it be iambic hexameter?There are six. (last night) (I went) (to Man) (derly) (again).It is hypnotic, no matter how many are in there.On the first person, I love it.Always have.Of course, it depends on the book, but that’s true for any plot device.I don’t necessarily love it in romances because I love the hero’s POV, but I have read successful ones.I do love it in Women’s Fiction.It makes the action so much more immediate.Loved Nine Coaches Waiting and Rebecca…great, old style Gothics!

Oops. Obviously I can't count!