Everett Said:

How to become a better first person writer?

We Answered:

The same rules apply no matter what POV you're writing from. Actually, first person narratives are easier to write because it's all one characters thoughts, and they can think whatever they want.

A few rules to keep in mind: Only describe physical reactions of other characters than your narrator unless your narrator is making their own assessment of an emotion. (ex: "He looked scared.") Make sure your character has a unique voice. And make sure you don't break character at any time for any reason. Everything your narrator says and thinks has to be believable for that specific character.

EDIT: Ask and ye shall receive: http://www.how-to-write-a-book-now.com/i…
Now, don't get all excited about this being a how-to for first person novelists. It's not. But, you can get a really good feel for your characters and your story using some of the techniques on this site. I've used it many times when I'm having trouble pinning down a character or a scene, and it works wonders.

Jon Said:

Does this piece of writing make sense?

We Answered:

It sounds like she woke up from a nightmare..but then why do you describe it as a wonderful dream?..what is a family bonding session? The other person is right, it is a bit choppy. If i were to rewrite it I would maybe do something like this..

The clock read 1:43 AM. I woke up from a dream, sobbing my heart out, reveling in the painful memory of the abduction of my beloved parents. Exactly three years ago my parents were taken away when we were having a family bonding session (i really don't think "family bonding session" fits..but whatever). They were kidnapped and all I could do was just stand there, helplessly. I never found out what happened to them.

I go down the staircase and run to my foster dad (why isn't he asleep?!), shedding tears harder than the previous years. I wonder why it hurt more now, I should've been numb to it now. Sitting by him, he comforted me, "I know it's hard, three years to this day. Just let it go, cry it out." I followed his directions, somehow I've always listened to directions too well and followed them like orders.


..So, overall it wasn't bad but some parts of it don't make sense (why was her dad awake?) and you used a lot of cliches ( shedding tears harder than ever before)..you could find some other way to describe the way she's crying rather than making us imagine someone crying really hard..like describe the tears, the way the room looks, the way she feels..like numb, ..or something. Also I think some things you should make the audience guess..like don't be so obvious in pointing out that she is well disciplined if that plays a role in some part of the plot later. let them notice that she always follows "orders". All in all, it does make sense but it is seriously lacking in details.

Carla Said:

Just out of curiosity, how many people here do not realize that New Mexico is part of the United States?

We Answered:

Very Funny stuff. I live in Austin now but grew up in Alamogordo. I would get all kinds of crazy stuff when I traveled "up north" to see family. The best is "do you have electricity", "Do you get cable", Do you have a horse" "Where is your hat" and "Aren't you afraid of the Indians".

HELLO! New Mexico is part of America. It is pretty funny sometimes. Now that I have been in Texas for 20 yr and have a texas accent, When I am up north I know they are just dying to ask where i am from. You would think the southwest was an exotic foreign country.

Maria Said:

Writing Project for the New Year?

We Answered:

"Anybody can write if they have something to write about." (Anthony Burgess)

Cynthia Said:

Just out of curiosity, how many people here do not know New Mexico is one of the 50 states?

We Answered:

They do now. LOL!