How to Write in ‘Deep’ Third-Person Point Of View

There are subtle differences between Omniscient Narrator, third-person and Deep third-person point of view (POV). But if they’re so subtle how can we know which one our writing falls into? It will affect word choice, and influence the readers’ perception of your characters. Well, read on to find some tips on how to polish your manuscript and make sure you’re using the preferred style for your work.

Not familiar with the different terms. Don’t worry, you’re not alone, I’ll run you through them.

Omniscient Narrator

The writer’s style and voice is reflected throughout the story, telling the story from a narrators perspective by identifying the characters by name. The characters, and their world is shown from a stepped-back perspective. Unfortunately, it can prevent readers from gaining intimacy with your characters, which is something we strive to gain, especially in Young Adult novels. The omniscient narrator doesn’t tell the story from an particular character, but reveals the story from an unbiased perspective and shows it to the reader.

Third-person POV

Writing in third-person is intended to make the story personal, dragging the reader into the story. Thus allowing them to view the world through the characters eyes. The story is shown from either one character’s POV or multiple POV’s and will be shown by using the characters name, and him/ he or she/her.

A few months ago I had editorial feedback on my second novel Mischief and Mayhem, and one of the criticisms was that my writing bordered on Omniscient Narrator. Why? Because the third-person POV wasn’t deep enough. What? Impossible! I’d done my homework and developed my writing with the one goal of achieving a deeper perspective. I wanted my readers to intimately feel everything my characters experienced.

So what was I doing wrong? Well, I discovered a few simple revisions that can strengthen your work to gain a deeper perspective. And I’m super proud to say I’ve achieved it! The second critique I received was a glowing review of my submission package, with only ONE critique. (Too much exposition in the first chapter. – It’s a fine line line, my creative friends, as the first time there wasn’t enough.)

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How to gain a deeper perspective using third-person POV?

Don’t overuse the character’s name. It prevents the reader from getting inside the characters perspective, giving the illusion of watching the characters actions. Instead, use the pronouns him/he or she/her.

Remove filler words, such as; seemed, knew, wondered, sensed and felt. Again they prevent the reader from becoming immersed in the characters world. They hold the reader back, giving an Omniscient Narrator style of writing. By removing them you will not only strengthen the show don’t tell, but you’ll allow the reader to drop into the characters perspective.

Most importantly develop the character’s Voice, making sure each character has their own unique and identifiable voice which is different from yours as the writer. For a more in depth look and further tips I strongly recommend reading – Voice. The secret power of writing by James Scott Bell.

Best of luck with your revisions. And as always Happy Writing my creative friends.

Don’t forget to leave a comment and share your thoughts. You know I love hearing from you.

Thanks for stopping by, until next time, Much Love.

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© Author Lorraine Ambers and http://www.lorraineambers.com, 2021.

7 Writing tips by Lorraine Ambers

Hello, and welcome. In this post I’m sharing some of my writing tips with you, giving you a sneak peek into my writing habits. From creating realistic goals, to defining your writing zone. A helpful and fun little post. Enjoy!

Tip number 1: Read you work aloud. This helpful tip comes from the wonderful author Judith Barrow, She instilled the advice in me. It helps to identify poor flowing work, straightens out kinks and generally is a great tool for your sharpening your revision.

Tip number 2: Use your own writing voice. Don’t try to imitate someone another writers style. Publishers, editors and readers want your unique style, your unique voice, so don’t be afraid to let yourself onto the page. Remember– don’t confuse your voice with the voice of your main character, check out my post on Defining your writing voice for a better understanding of the differences.

Tip number 3: Always carry a notebook and pen. Pencils, or a felt pen will suffice. When an idea strikes write it down. You’ll lie to yourself, saying you’ll remember this gem of a plot twist, a development of a scene, or some clever prose – but you won’t. I can’t tell you how many times I should have been prepared. In your handbag/ backpack, in the glove box, by your bed or even record your words of epiphany onto your mobile phone.

Tip number 4: Writing and kids don’t mix. For all my writing mums and dads, the struggle is real. I know parents that get up before the children to write at 6am, and others that wait until late at night. My tip is; don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Have small writing goals, that are achievable to you and your family. I couldn’t even think about writing when my young kids were awake; or when they were preteens are home. It always resulted in tears and tantrums; mostly mine, because my kids would not let me write.

Tip number 5: Set a writing goal. I don’t know about you, but I’m the queen of daydreams and procrastination. So I need some limits and boundaries. Even if its just writing for 20 minutes a day. Get your laptop, or pen and paper, and put your butt in a seat… and begin. Once I get started, I can write for a few hours, whereas, other days  I’ll struggle to get two words out. We all have those days, you are not alone! Still the routine and an achievable goal  really spur me on.

Tip number 6: Bring a fresh mug of tea. Hot beverages and snacks don’t help me write, but it does lift my spirits. And a happy writer is a productive writer… another white lie I tell myself. Still, why not enjoy the perks of being a writer. I fully take advantage of working from home by staying in my pyjamas, continuously drinking tea and having my cat and dog as work colleges.

Tip number 7: Back up your work. I unfortunately learnt this the hard way – not once but twice. Thankfully, I managed to decrypt both USBs, but it was painstakingly difficult (I’m not tech savvy) and utterly stressful. Don’t repeat my mistakes! Now I save my MS’s on the cloud, a memory stick, and my computer – and just to be extra sure, I keep a printed copy in a vault that can only be accessed if you have magical powers. Of course I’m joking, I don’t have magic. Hopefully you understand my point though, when the works gone, its gone, so take care of it people.

Tell me about some of your writing tips, quirks or habits. Have you learnt the hard way to back up your work? Or perhpas your struggling to write with young kids at home. Whatever your journey is, please share it with me, you knw I love hearing from you.

Thanks for stopping by, until next time, Much Love.

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© Author Lorraine Ambers and http://www.lorraineambers.com, 2020.