Draw the Reader In
Writing in dedicated
point of view lets the reader know they are experiencing the story through the character’s perceptions. Therefore, when you describe acts of perception, the verbs of perception saw, heard and
smelled are unnecessary. Simply describe the perception. Anchor your
reader in the heart and head of the character.
Instead of writing: “He looked out at the street and saw a
boy whiz past on a skateboard.”
Write: “He looked out at the street. A boy whizzed past on a
skateboard.”
Don’t use: “Sue stopped and listened. She heard
leaves crunching behind her on the path.”
Use: “Sue stopped and listened. Leaves crunched behind her on the
path.”
Not: “Fred sniffed. He smelled her perfume—the scent of lilacs—lingering
in the air.”
But: “Fred sniffed. Her perfume—the scent of lilacs—lingered in the
air.”
Remove this: She ran her hand over the bolt of fabric. It felt
luxurious and textured and was exactly what she wanted.
Try this: She ran her hand over the bolt of fabric. Luxurious and
textured, it was exactly what she wanted.
Very good advice. I have read many explanations of POV and once had trouble understanding it - until I did an exercise of writing first person. It finally clicked and was easy after that. Now I need to understand your points as well to help my writing. Thanks.
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