When I started my first book, the one I’m working on now, Faith-based Public Relations, I was in a bit of a quandary about how to “voice” the book. To use it as a textbook, it would make sense to be in third person. Yet, my stories are very personal and writing them that way just didn’t flow and my stories are often the lessons. The ultimate goal of this book is for me to use it as I teach PR as an adjunct again someday, so I decided that I’d write it as if I were in the classroom teaching and talking about PR. I’d write first person and become the teacher from the pages.
I’ve had a mix of responses, but those who feel they have learned something from the text have appreciated the first person and have said they can “hear me” telling the stories. I love that! I hope it will translate to those who don’t yet know me. I’ve also gotten a critical opinion that when telling my stories that it can come across as “bragging and name-dropping.” That one hurt. So I’m working hard to find a nice balance. I need to share the stories for the teachable lesson, but I do not want to appear—ever—to be in a bragging manner. That isn’t who I am and is not the intent of the book. So the first person perspective can cause some controversy. It has for me, but I still feel that this is the best way for me to go.
As a closet wanna-be fiction writer, I look at perspective from a different light and reading these novels has really gotten my mind flowing on what I’ll do when I finally get to write a novel or short story. Reading Olive Kitteridge really got my brain working overtime about how to use this type of narrator and other character’s perspective to show the true character of the antagonist—to build it up from all sides so as not to appear as one lone opinion. I look forward to being able to work through that and figure out how that occurs. I’m one of five siblings, maybe each has a voice, or is that too much? Maybe I tell it from the perspective of the two siblings who went through the worst of time—the brain tumor. I look forward to the fiction writing class when I’ll have time to sort this out further. I’ve loved Conroy and Strout for pushing my mental buttons on perspective. Conroy, however, makes me shudder to think of writing fiction. I’m a journalist with the “Keep It Simple Stupid” or KISS rule. Strout on the other hand gave me confidence—depth in simplicity. Now that I can aim toward.
(Photo: My family at Christmas 2009)
Jessica - I like the idea of your book from a first person pov. As a teacher, I find that students who are given models and first-hand experience from the teacher learn better, faster, and more thoroughly when they have someone who has done the task than from a third party textbook. I know my students are better writers when I share my writing and my experiences writing with them.
ReplyDeleteAs for your fiction – go forth and conquer! You are a great writer and have such a gift with storytelling. I am sure your fiction will reflect your abilities, as does your non-fiction. You might find that when you start writing the story that a specific perspective or character takes hold of the story and runs with it. This is usually how it happens with me. Despite my interference, one character usually rears his or her head and says, “Let me have it”. It’s always best if I do.
Jessica Quinn,
ReplyDeleteI think you are right in writing your stories in first person, especially since they are your stories. I agree that it makes the story more personal. Constructive criticism is good to take into account also, but ultimately it is your story and you should decide what is best for you.
Good luck with writing your fiction story. You should definitely give it a try; you never know you may really enjoy it and be great at it. Forget being safe, make things adventuresome.
Depth in simplicity - profound statement. I hear you about being a "closet fiction writer." As a believer, you might understand this statement. When I felt God telling me to write some things that happened to me at a SBC church - the dark side of church politics - I reminded God that I was not a fiction writer. In my spirit I felt like He was saying back to my heart, "More people will get it if you write it as fiction." I have always said that "God is my agent." He has always provided ways for me to write and grow as a writer - including classes like this - I know someday I will finish the story and this class was part of it.
ReplyDeleteI encourage you to write fiction - creative writing is good. I like to think of the Creator as being very creative.
JessicaQ, teaching is incredibly personal, and teaching (for me anyway) is always heavy on the examples. And keep pushing forward on the fiction front. When it comes to Conroy, I think back on one of those posters that was probably hanging in at least one of your teacher's classroom in high school: "Aim for the moon. Even if you miss you'll land among the stars." Apt words. I'm aiming for the greats. Hopefully, we'll all land somewhere near them. :)
ReplyDeleteJessica, I have had the privilege of reading one of your chapters written in the first person, and that is absolutely the way for you to go! You have such a conversational writing voice that I felt like I was attending an informal lecture. By the way, you mentioned one of your clients in the chapter I read, and it didn't come across as name-dropping to me.
ReplyDeleteYou all are remarkable. Thank you. I needed this boost today.:-)
ReplyDeleteJessica, no matter which p.o.v. you choose, someone will criticize it.
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