After in depth research on POV, I was shocked to discover myriad conflicts and confusion on Points of View. I could find no formal history on the development of POV, and found conflicting insructions in grammar textbooks. One award-winning textbook presented one chapter on pronouns (correctly), and another on points of view, only to repeat the same information there they had used on pronouns! No wonder POV remains one of the most difficult challenges for beginning writers.
In fact, Sol Stein, one of the best editors and writers admits, "Even authors with several published novels to their credit can make errors in point of view."
What are beginning writers to do? For example, teach a beginning writer "third person point of view," and you immediately set her/him up for POV conflict. I discovered in research at least eight different omniscient points of view, all using third person pronouns. First person point of view? I found six different viewpoints using first person pronouns!
After considerable research and deliberation, I discovered why so many writers struggle. Pronouns are confused as viewpoints, and are often taught as such. The purpose of pronouns is to provide grammatical references to avoid awkward redundancy. Pronouns by their definition and purpose are insufficient to provide a perspective on a story. Viewpoints are designed to provide that perspective from which a story is told -- who is telling the story. In my instruction "Viewpoints and Pronouns," I distinguish, clarify, and give examples of the differences.
It is critical for writers to understand the differences between these grammatical tools and skills.
In just one example from my detailed instruction, I write the same scene four times, all using third person pronouns, yet all are written in four different viewpoints! Watch for my next blog! I'll share writing examples that will enlighten, inform, and empower your writing skills!
Until later,
God bless
Derrell
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