Choosing Writing POVs
Previously I explained how to write smoother transitions. There was a brief explanation about the different types of writing voices that you can use. In today's blog, I will specifically cover how you can decide which voice to use in your writing.
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As there are many writing courses on the internet from experienced writers explaining the differences between writing points of view with their advantages and disadvantages, I will only briefly touch on those points. The highlight of my blog is for webnovel writers who are venturing into e-fiction without prior writing experience.
Before we begin, here are some materials I would need you to read so you know what I'm talking about.
Once you have read them, let's begin.
#1: Genre
Remember how Webnovel is split into two main genres? We have ML (male-lead), and FL (female-lead), which basically stands for romance-related (FL) and non-romance-related (ML) works.
Most romance novels are written in first-person POV as it allows readers to become more easily emotionally attached to the thrill of falling in love from the main character's point of view. It allows a more shared experience with the reader who can easily imagine themselves as that main character. It's an ego thing called self-insert but that's the reason why they read the book. First-person is extremely useful in gaining empathy with the reader and relating the emotions back using thoughts.
However, that's not to say it is limited to romance genres. Romance genres can also be written with a third-person POV as writers tend to switch between writing male and female leads.
On the other hand, using first-person POV for adventure genres can be a great asset to view the world from the main character's eyes. I used that in the first season of Ball of Nothing. You can do something similar but keep in mind the limitations of not being able to use certain descriptions and know certain knowledge about the world that the main character has not learned about.
Some examples of first-person writing in Webnovels:
From Rebirth of a Broken Demoness by Hyowha. This is an FL example.
This is from Ball of Nothing by yours truly.
Now that you have an idea how a first-person voice can be used, let's take a look at third person.
If you read reading material (b), you will know that there are three kinds of 3rd POV in writing. The first is something that gives you absolute knowledge and control as a narrator watching over your children from the skies. The second is like a guardian angel or shadow constantly following your main character. The third is the ghost that jumps from character to character, whichever is more interesting throughout the book.
There are no right and wrongs for any of these three perspectives and you don't need to strictly stick to the 3rd POV you have chosen because it is written in a voice that is neutral. HOWEVER! You have to apply good writing techniques to ensure the reader can easily follow your writing when you switch voices and focus. Refer back to my previous blog on tips for writing smoother transitions.
To help you learn how these POVs work, I will select some examples from webnovel. They can be FL or ML. There aren't any restrictions here. In fact, this is the voice most authors prefer to use thanks to the flexibility. What's more, if you are a fan of comedy and breaking the fourth wall, this is perfect for creating that opportunity.
This is a 3rd POV with an omniscient voice. It's god-like and works for this plot. The book is Who Said A Mosquito Can't Cultivate? by TrueDawn.
