Second Person

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Since there's already a discussion on first and third person, how about second? Does anyone know a good story in second person? Is it harder or easier to write in?




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There's at least one novel written in 2nd person: Bright Lights, Big City. I don't personally like reading 2nd person - it tends to alienate me from the story rather than draw me in. Same with writing. I was always of the opinion that if you're going to involve the audience in the story, they should get to choose who they want to be - a reason that I prefer western crpgs to japanese ones.

Just my two cents.

~Annie




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I agree with Annie. You have to be a MASTER at exposition and suspense to be able to execute a second-person story, let alone a novel. Read Stephen King and Dean Koontz and learn from them. Then try it. If you think it sucks, learn some more!
And we'll be a dream...

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I can only thnk of those 'chose your own ending' stories....
Novel Wordcount: 58,001 words




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The only place where I find 2nd person viewpoint really works is poetry. It takes a lot of skill to pull it off in prose.
"Don't bother just to be better than your contemporaries or predecessors. Try to be better than yourself." William Faulkner.

Do you do poetry? Check out Poetry Inspiration over in Groups!




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Well, second-person is hard to write. I tried it once and completely failed at it. I would just go with what you are good at. For me I want people to enjoy my writing so if you can do it and people like it go for it. ^_^




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Second-person is like salt on bananas. Absolutely delicious, sir. Supremely satisfying.

Prokaryote




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If on a Winter Night a Traveler by Italo Calvino. Most amazing novel in second person since forever! I adore it.
“It's necessary to have wished for death in order to know how good it is to live.”
― Alexandre Dumas, The Count of Monte Cristo



You are not the voice in your mind, but the one who is aware of it.
— Eckhart Tolle