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It’s not what you’re thinking–although that question can come into play often in romance. What we’re talking about today is point of view.
Now I’ve never been a person who cared one way or another about POV in books. First or third, doesn’t matter to me as long as it doesn’t suck. But interestingly enough I got a lot of mail when I was writing my Nightcreature Novels in the first person, not something that was often done in romance, asking me why I did that. Come to find out that people had definite ideas about first person and they didn’t like it. Now, of course, they liked MY books but hey, when was I changing to third person?
At the time, I had no plans to do so. First of all, most of the books involved the eternal question: Is the hero a monster? Literally. And if we are in his POV, we know. No big secret. End of book in chapter 1.
Secondly–I discovered I LOVED writing in first person. Adored it. Didn’t want to stop. No sir.
Thirdly–the books were doing well and the publisher didn’t want me to change a thing.
But, as this is life, #$&t happened.
Fast forward several years. Publishing has taken a hit. What used to be selling “okay” now looks pretty good. I’ve been writing in first person for quite a while and miss the old “he said, she said.” I pull out a proposal my editor had turned down because there was something that bothered her about the hero and realize what bothered her is that we don’t have his POV to explain why he’s such an ass.
Voila! The Nightcreature Novels are reborn.
In third person.
MARKED BY THE MOON comes out today and I am SO excited. This book was a long time coming, and I’m thrilled to be able to return to the world of the Nightcreatures again.
If you’d like to read an excerpt go to:
http://www.lorihandeland.com/marked_by_the_moon_excerpt.php
Do you prefer first person or third person, or are you like me, and it doesn’t matter as long as the book doesn’t make you want to throw it against the wall?
And will you be grabbing your copy of MARKED BY THE MOON today?
I’ll be choosing a name from those who comment today to win an autographed set of the first three Nightcreature Novels-BLUE MOON, HUNTER’S MOON, DARK MOON.
I don’t mind either POV as long as it is written well though it seems I read more third person POV because there just seems to be more books written that way.
Posted on November 2, 2010 at 2:58 am.
I used to not like first person at all then I read a book by Linda Howard and loved it. So now I don’t care as long as the story is good.
Congrats on your new book.
Posted on November 2, 2010 at 3:49 am.
Although I have read some very good 1st person narrative books I still prefer 3rd person. I like knowing what’s going through all the characters minds. If the story is 1st person narrative, I love it if an author later ads another characters pov in short extras.
Posted on November 2, 2010 at 3:51 am.
It doesn’t matter to me first or third. I’ve read both and enjoyed both. I agree with Daz however, that I read more third person books simply because there are more written like that.
Posted on November 2, 2010 at 4:20 am.
One of the most unique suspense books I ever read was White Lies by Linda Howard. It was in a diary format. Loved that book!
I agree with the others. Most books are written in the third person POV. I don’t mind first person POV. I agree it’s all in the character development and storyline. If they are done well it’s a good read for me. I love your Nightcreature stories. I’m definitely on the lookout for Marked By the Moon!.
Posted on November 2, 2010 at 5:46 am.
That’s my POV, too, Daz.
Linda Howard does a lot well, JudyF.
Never heard of short extras, Archer. Like at the end of the book or on a website?
Posted on November 2, 2010 at 5:59 am.
Hadn’t thought of that, Sue.
Thanks, LaurieG! Haven’t read White Lies, will have to check that out.
Posted on November 2, 2010 at 6:00 am.
LoriHandeland,
Stephenie Meyer gives a short section (I think it was in New Moon) on Jacobs point of view. Susan Mallery, Julia Quinn and Eloisa James have short stories, extras and deleted scenes in the members only section of their web page. <3 that
Posted on November 2, 2010 at 6:25 am.
I agree, I’ve read books written in both 1st and 3rd tho mostly 3rd because that seems to be the norm. As long as the book is well written and the story is captivating (which most are) I don’t care which its written in.
Congrats on the new book! Just read the excerpt and it looks to be right up my ally! Hmm now I just need to find some money so I can start buying the list of books I’ve got in my head that I want! For some reason, my library does not have ANY of your books. Its a travesty! Of course, I’ve requested that they purchase the lot of em but you know how libraries are.. grrrrrrr
Posted on November 2, 2010 at 6:42 am.
I admit that I am a 3rd person reader. I like know what’s going on in everyone’s mind. Including the killer if the book happens to be a whodunit. I don’t need to know his/her name. Just his thoughts. I have tried 1st person books but just have difficulty getting into them.
One thing that turned me off romance novels way back when was so many were written from the heroine’s POV and there was never much explanation for the hero’s behavior. Too often, he was horrible to her until about page next to last. Then, he decides he loves her. She forgives him. HEA. But I was still wondering why he was the way he was and why the heck she was all to eager to forgive & forget. Not very satisfying for me.
Maybe I prefer 3rd person is because it’s the only way I’ll ever get to actually know another person’s inner thoughts. Or I’m just too darned picky.
Posted on November 2, 2010 at 6:42 am.
Oh, cool, Archer. I loved the Twilight movies, but the books drove me bonkers so I never saw that. I like the idea of having stuff on the website though.
Thanks for requesting my books be bought at the library, JenG. I know most libraries like to know what their patrons are looking for.
Margaret–I remember it being a huge deal when Laura Kinsale started writing the hero’s POV in her books. Her heroes are pretty complicated. I’m sure it helped make them so fabulous.
Posted on November 2, 2010 at 6:46 am.
Good topic! I’m open to all of it except second person (one of those late 80s NY novels was done that way). I particularly enjoyed the Meg Cabot series done in email format. I agree that 1st person prevents getting into the head of other characters but I fail to notice that when I’m wrapped up in a well told story.
Posted on November 2, 2010 at 6:51 am.
I mostly prefer 3rd person. I think when a book is written in 1st person and that character is very alien to me it just doesn’t gel with me.
However, I enjoyed Kerri Arthur’s Riley Jensen series and I am most definately nothing like Riley.
At Worldcon recently an English author did a reading of one of his short stories written in 2nd person. It was a ghost story and was really effective. He said he’d written it in 1st person originally and it didn’t quite work so he rewrote it in 2nd. I really can’t remember any fiction I’ve read in 2nd person. I don’t think it would be possible for a whole novel.
Posted on November 2, 2010 at 6:53 am.
it doesn’t matter as long as it’s a good story!!
Posted on November 2, 2010 at 7:22 am.
POV doesn’t bother me if it’s a good story.
Yay on Marked by the Moon!!!! Woohoo!
Posted on November 2, 2010 at 7:29 am.
That’s what I always thought, Fresh.
Laine–second person is an odd format. Might be interesting for a little while, like a short story, but otherwise I’m not so sure.
Bingo, Kris.
Posted on November 2, 2010 at 7:29 am.
I am going to Barnes and Noble today to buy up a lot of books with the names Handeland and Enoch on them
.
I don’t mind reading first person — depending on the book, it sometimes seems the only way. But I can’t write it. I think it takes a real talent to write convincingly in first person, where the reader is not aware of the author, but believes the character exists. So kudos to you, Lori! And congratulations!
Posted on November 2, 2010 at 7:33 am.
I can honestly say I don’t care. I like both POVs. Not sure how I’d feel about second person, but since I haven’t read one of those yet, I’ll reserve judgment. I’m fine with both first and third, however. They just give different reading experiences.
BTW, can’t wait to read marked by the moon!
Posted on November 2, 2010 at 7:40 am.
Most of the books I read are in 3rd person, however like most of you I don’t mind the POV as long as the story is good. My friend was just telling me about two books that were in 1st person where the story was the same but each book was written in a different character’s POV.
Posted on November 2, 2010 at 7:42 am.
POV is as subjective as choice of reading materials I think. The most important thing to me is whether or not the story speaks to me and interests me enough to finish reading it. Looking forward to Marked by The Moon and going to go pick it up after I vote tonight.
Posted on November 2, 2010 at 7:44 am.
I’m sorry, but I just cannot read a book written in 1st person POV!! It makes me want to tear my hair out! Usually, though, I just end up leaving the book on the shelf. I do not have any of Lisa Kleypas’ contemps because of this format, nor will I be buying them although she is one of my very fave authors. I have tried to read other 1st person POV books on other’s recommendations and had the same response. Just not my cuppa tea.
Third person POV lets me get into the characters heads, “hear” their thoughts, “see” things from their POV. I can “live” the story better in third person, fall into it better, enjoy it better if I don’t have to fight it like I do with first person POV. JMHO, since you asked.
BTW, what is second person POV?
Posted on November 2, 2010 at 7:46 am.
I have the same feeing, Kim! Woohoo!
Thanks, Julia!
Different reading experiences! Yes, Sabrina, that’s a good way to say it.
Posted on November 2, 2010 at 7:50 am.
I mostly prefer the 3rd, though I am finding more and more first person I am liking.. perhaps the bar was raised on the quality or I have been getting lucky in what I am picking up. I have been engrossed in Rick Riordon books and his Red Pyramid series (I think that is the one.. I am so bad at titles) tells the story from two different first person P’sOV.. each chapter is told by alternate lead characters. I liked it.
I have added your new one to the queue in the Kindle, Lori
and a special thanks today to the cold that I had a couple weeks ago that has decided to come visit again.. not nearly as fun as my goddess meetings last week. I want more of those rather then more tissues and cough drops
Posted on November 2, 2010 at 7:51 am.
Oh, that sounds interesting, SuzyQ. I hadn’t heard of those books.
Excellent, Norma. I’ve gotta leave the Batcave and vote today too.
I think second person is “you.” So the author would be writing: “You walk into the room and everyone looks your way. You think: Why are they looking at me?” That might make me tear my hair out.
Posted on November 2, 2010 at 7:52 am.
First person also might have more to do with genre. I read a lot of mystery, thrillers, fantasy and those have more first person.
Feel better, Sheridan!
Posted on November 2, 2010 at 7:53 am.
Usually, I end up reading 3rd person, but as one of my all time favorite books, Jane Eyre, is in 1st person, I can honestly say that as long as the book is good, the narrator not too annoying (I think I would have preferred Twilight from another POV) I’ll read anything.
Congratulations on your new release!!!
Posted on November 2, 2010 at 7:57 am.
Sheridan, I loved Red Pyramid! Doesn’t he do that so well! I can’t wait for the next book in that series.
Posted on November 2, 2010 at 8:03 am.
Oooh, can’t wait for this one! Lori, you have definitely gotten me addicted to this series and I’m so glad to see more of it. PLEASE write more and more and — well, you get my drift.
As for the tense, I prefer third person, but I don’t mind first.
Ok, I’d write more but I HAVE to get to the bookstore! Ciao, m’dears!
Posted on November 2, 2010 at 8:22 am.
THanks for the get wells.. stoopid cold
and Cail, I am totally a Riordon fan girl. LOVE his books.
Posted on November 2, 2010 at 8:23 am.
You know, I would have predicted that I wouldn’t like 1st person POV, but it turns out that I actually like it! 3rd person feels so familiar, so comfy since most books are written that way, but 1st works, too. I love that there are options! I love that, just by changing POV, you can change the way a story plays out. Congrats to YOU for being able to do both so well. That takes some talent!
I can’t wait to read Marked by the Moon! It’s been too long since I could jump into that world, Lori. I’m so happy that this series is back!
Posted on November 2, 2010 at 8:23 am.
I want first to be into the book like the characters are real people, so be it first person or third, that doesn’t really matter. What I don’t like is those who say IT MUST BE IN FIRST PERSON. I like to write for fun and in most cases I have written in third person because that is easier for me and probably the reason I don’t like when people say you have to only write in first person.
Right now I am reading Sabrina’s book and I am LOVING IT!!!! I love the banter between the characters. She really can make the characters seem like they are real people. I love Jarret’s view of Giles and Minerva and can’t wait to read their story because I have to say I fell head over heels for Giles in Wed Him Before You Bed Him.
Posted on November 2, 2010 at 8:34 am.
Jane Eyre is one of my all time faves, too, Cail. After I read that in 8th grade I got hooked on Victoria Holt and Mary Stewart. All first person, btw. Gothics usually were. I miss Gothics.
Thanks, Karenh! I hope I do get to write more and more. I will have 3 Nightcreatures released in the next year. Moon Cursed in March and Crave the Moon in July.
Posted on November 2, 2010 at 8:39 am.
Me too, Claudia! I missed Edward.
That’s probably why I wrote the first books in first person, Jamie. Because people were telling me they should be in third.
Posted on November 2, 2010 at 8:40 am.
I’m joining the Mary Stewart, Phyllis Whitney, Victoria Holt crowd. Loved them enough that most of their books still grace my shelves–in hardback where possible. (I never found Mary Stewart’s Cave series in hardback.)
That said, these days, I tend to go for third person. Nosy, I guess. I want to get into everybody’s head–even the dog’s. (Don’t recall the book, but yes, I’ve been there. LOL)
Posted on November 2, 2010 at 9:00 am.
Whoohoo, Lori, I’m so excited about your new book!
I adore first person… reminds me of all the Gothics I grew up reading… Mary Stewart and Victoria Holt especially.
Can’t wait to read Marked!
Posted on November 2, 2010 at 9:17 am.
I read a book called The Art of Racing in the Rain, which had the dog’s pov. I liked that. There was another, which was a mystery with the dog helping his master, who was a PI, solve the crime called Dog On It. it was ADORABLE. And there are 2 more books in the series.
Which reminds me . . . need to go buy them.
Yes, Nicole! I loved those books. I keep thinking I should read them again. I know St. Martin’s has been putting out old Victoria Holt’s in new editions over the past couple of years.
Posted on November 2, 2010 at 9:24 am.
For me, I really don’t care especially if it’s a book by a favorite author. I might be leery of a new author. What I really like is the POV, by the hero, like Stephanie Laurens Bar Cynster books. I love the angst of them not getting their way, asking themselves what they are doing wrong, when they know that the heroine is the one for them etc. Hero POV is the best.
Posted on November 2, 2010 at 9:27 am.
I think character and story dictate POV. So, I don’t have a preference as long as the story is well written.
Posted on November 2, 2010 at 9:28 am.
It really does not matter to me most of the time. I guess it depends on the book. 3rd person can get confusing sometimes I think. If there are a lot of different POV’s then it can really be confusing. I like books that have about 1-2 1st person. Then it is very interesting.
Thanks for the chance to win! What a great give away!!
Posted on November 2, 2010 at 9:43 am.
Dittto what Rachel said–exactly.
Posted on November 2, 2010 at 9:50 am.
hey ladies!
I’m offline for the next few months!
I’ll be able to grab some library computor time or at a friend’severy once in a while.
bill paying sucks and I had to get this one down…sigh
as for me, I prefer third peron narrative.
Posted on November 2, 2010 at 10:02 am.
Depends on the story and how it’s approached.
I tend to lean toward third party reading, but I do pick up certain authors who write in first person if I like the storyline and plot.
There are definitely different first party styles though, Some are the inner narrative and others are like you’re chatting with a friend. I agree with the observation that you lose aspects of the surrounding characters in first person however.
Posted on November 2, 2010 at 10:06 am.
Hero POV is fun to do, Elsie.
My point exactly-Rachel and LindaB
Glad you like, MindyJ
Sorry to hear it, Kathy. Check back in when your return.
Posted on November 2, 2010 at 10:06 am.
Hey Kathy, you’ll be missed.
Posted on November 2, 2010 at 10:07 am.
I really don’t care as long as it’s a good story.
Posted on November 2, 2010 at 10:32 am.
To be honest I don’t pay much attention to first or third person. I’m so easy, if I love the story it doesn’t really matter to me
Posted on November 2, 2010 at 10:35 am.
I prefer third partial omniscient, and actually got into an argument with a professor for a summer writing course that just because you could hear the characters thoughts, didn’t mean it was first person. I won. I like knowing what the person is thinking, but I want to see all the other characters and everything going on too. Sometimes as a person, I miss things or don’t think about certain elements, and I don’t want those things left out when I’m reading because the character didn’t notice them either, and I’m literally seeing through their eyes.
BTW — Julia, your new book “The Year of Living Scandalously” was featured today by BN Romance readers today on Facebook!
Posted on November 2, 2010 at 10:39 am.
I agree, Linda and Kristen, the issue comes when the story is far from good.
Oh boy. That would have been an interesting writing class if the prof didn’t know that, Kat.
Posted on November 2, 2010 at 10:42 am.
Congratulations Lori!! I am so glad your book is out and I will bet just about anything I am not going to be able to find it In Blue Earth, Mn. Their book racks are appalling here, even the Walmart bookshelves are ten feet long and short on content. I think I will just on on B&N.com and download it to my laptop. I am installing the NookBook app as we speak.
I don’t really care in which person the book is written as long as it is well written. When I run into too many errors or the characters should not be in the gene pool I usually go on to the next book and hope for a better outcome.
Posted on November 2, 2010 at 10:43 am.
I don’t really think I care if it’s first or third person pov, but then again, most of what I read is in the third person. Do I prefer it or are just most books written that way?
Posted on November 2, 2010 at 11:38 am.
What am I think?? o_O
I hate, hate, hate first person. I think it limits the point of view and the ideas in the book immensely, and I really miss having an insight on what other characters are thinking. There’s *one* first person series of books I really love, though, which is Junie B. Jones, mainly, because no one but Junie B. matters in those books!
Posted on November 2, 2010 at 12:52 pm.
NookBook, I like how that sounds.
Well, most books in romance, Carol. In certain other genres most are written in first.
Interesting, B. You are not alone.
Posted on November 2, 2010 at 1:00 pm.
Congrats on your new release. It doesn’t matter if I read in first or third person. I read it all and love it.
Posted on November 2, 2010 at 2:23 pm.
I can go either way as a reader. As a writer, I find that writing in deep pov is very similar to writing in first person, so I probably would be comfortable with first person if I ever went there. The market does not seem to like them for romances, so I doubt my publisher will ever be urging me to do so.
Congratulations on the new release!
Posted on November 2, 2010 at 2:51 pm.
No, I don’t care if it’s first, third, third-omniscient, whatever — as long as it fits the story.
I picked up my copy of MARKED BY THE MOON on my way home from voting. Can’t wait to get started on it!!
Posted on November 2, 2010 at 2:59 pm.
Yes, as long as I do not want to throw the book against the wall, I am good
Posted on November 2, 2010 at 3:15 pm.
Same here, Elisa.
Oh, good point, Madeline. I sometimes find myself going into the first person POV when I’m writing just because I’m hearing the characters so well.
Just got back from voting myself, Suzie! Thanks!
My poor wall, Chelsea, it gets a lot of abuse.
Posted on November 2, 2010 at 3:34 pm.
I like both points of view…3rd person seems to be easier for me. 1st person takes me about 2 pages to “get into”… and as long as it doesnt suck….im good!!
and i will be picking up your book this weekend….after payday!
Posted on November 2, 2010 at 3:57 pm.
I generally don’t like books written in the first person. However, you, Lori, and a handful of other authors do it very well and I absolutely see how your books written in the first person give me a better insight into the hero. I must admit to a certain amount of awe for people who can write first person well. I never could. Don’t know why. Just isn’t in me.
I’ll definitely be picking up your latest this weekend. My RWA chapter’s readers luncheon is Saturday in Birmingham and there are some great bookstores on the way back from the luncheon!
Posted on November 2, 2010 at 5:57 pm.
Fantastic, Hollie.
Thanks, Louisa, and have fun at the luncheon. Those are always great.
Posted on November 2, 2010 at 6:00 pm.
Hi Lori!
Love your books. I prefer 3rd person, but I’m not one of those that won’t read 1st person. I really enjoy Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum series, as they are easy reads, i.e., brain candy. But, I read a Linda Howard once that was in the first person and the Blair character was such a whiny person I wanted to kill her! So, it all depends on how it is written.
Posted on November 2, 2010 at 9:18 pm.
It took me a while to get used to first person in romance. (I’m not sure why, I certainly read my share of Elizabeth Peters/Barbara Michaels books that used it…) I had to adjust my ideas. Having been adjusted, I have no real preference, though I find I have a particular fondness for books told only from the heroine’s POV if done well. That is, if you are given enough information to understand how the hero is feeling, even if the heroine doesn’t. I also loath those books where he’s just a jackass until the last few pages, when he suddenly explains all his jackassery in one 3 page long burst of logorrhoea
Posted on November 2, 2010 at 9:52 pm.
As long as i get to read the book and enjoy it with all my heart and soul am good.
Posted on November 3, 2010 at 11:38 pm.
I have a problem with changing tenses when I shouldn’t! I try so hard to stay in thied person, but my fingers will type first when I’m not looking! I’m trying to rewrite my first book looking for tenses that are wrong. Sheesh! It’s so hard for me to find them.
But can I please win one of your books? I’m trying to read some of the romances to see how they are written today. Just getting the idea on the dialouge and such.
Thanks and good luck!
Micky Brown
Posted on November 4, 2010 at 8:55 am.
I prefer third person, but most urban fantasy is in first person, and I have gotten used to it (like Kim Harrison). My friends hates first person books, but she listens to those books and then they are better than third person audio books. (Especially when James Masters is reading them!).
Barbara Bretton has two books, where each chapter is written from POV of another person, which is extremely annoying to read. But I liked the stories, so I persevered. Don’t know yet if I will read the third one though.
I am very glad that your Night Creatures series is back on line Lori, really love those. Every day I hope the mailman brings the books I have ordered recently, including yours. Yes, I do read the Chaos books too, but I still haven’t figured out if I actually like them. I just have to know what happens next.
Aurian
Posted on November 6, 2010 at 12:25 pm.