Okay, so here is my predicament. I am about ten chapters into my novel and I've come to realize that I am telling the story from the wrong point-of-view. Currently, I am telling it from third person, single point-of-view and I need to be telling it from third person, multiple point-of-view. This way I can show more thoughts, other than just the protagonist's. So my question for you is this, how do I change my POV without totally rewriting my last ten chapters? Is it possible, or should I just submit myself to the truth that I must start over? Please, I need help!
I am not addicted to reading, I can quit as soon as I finish one more chapter.
Well you have multiple choices. What you're looking for is Omniscient point of view. Which is basically you telling the story as a all knowing God of the world. You'd know every body's thoughts, and feelings. This is difficult to balance, but here is a article that could with that.
As for how to change this will be easier then you think. I'm going to write the same seen and change the point of view a little. You see omniscient is very grand scheme.
For instance
Limited-The sun beat down on the earth causing the sweat on Tom's skin to evaporate upon it's secretion from his body. He looked over to see Alice fanning herself with a sour look on her face. Alice never did well in the heat, and he felt bad for bringing her, but he needed the company.
Omniscient- The sun beat down on the earth, most of the people that walked the streets didn't care. After all Florida was known for it's heat, they were used to it and today was cool compared to some other days. The only ones that seemed bothered by the heat were the Samuels. Alice Samuel silently fanned herself, but she wanted to slap her husband across his head for bringing her to this oven of a state. Tom sensed his wife's discomfort and tried his best not to give her a reason to kill him.
As you can see omniscient can get a whole lot more involved.
Another option is multiple third person. This is when you write in third person and then using a break or chapter change, you shift point of views to another character.
I suggest doing one of the two. I'm not sure how you book go's but I'd assume that you'd have to rewrite either way.
Last edited by PhoenixBishop on Thu Dec 10, 2009 6:39 pm, edited 1 time in total.
This is one little planet in one tiny solar system in a galaxy that’s barely out of its diapers. I’m old, Dean. Very old. So I invite you to contemplate how insignificant I find you.
First of all, are you going to tell it from omniscient POV or from limited just with different characters you get into the heads of (as in, switching who you limit to every scene/chapter)?
Well, it seems you have a few choices. Either you can forge ahead and try this new tactic out. Or you can go back and rewrite the beginning. Do you feel you have to start at the beginning to get into the heads of other characters? Or can you start off now and sink appropriately into your characters' heads? Either way you'll have to rewrite the beginning if you are going to switch POV's, but you could just finish the story, then go back and rewrite the beginning. Whatever you are most comfortable with, really.
