Point of View - Meeting Notes

Greetings, fellow authors!

I say that, because as we all know - if you are writing, you're an author. It is what God has put on your heart to do. We write because we must.

We've agreed that there is so much going on in everyone's life - that we needed to put together a group "blog" so that we can remember what we've learned, and keep an eye on where we're headed. This is our toolbox, and as we grow it will be interesting to see how far we've come as a group! Dan and Denise are steering the ship, and we are most grateful for their bringing us all together!

First of all, thanks again to Bev for hosting. We appreciate you! (from the guests who wouldn't leave...) Secondly, we had a few new members join us - a nod to Leonard and Tonya - we are looking forward to seeing more of what you are working on. Glad to have you! Third - thank you all for the kudos! It's exciting to have landed my first book contract - and a total God thing that my editor's suggestion was to review my novel for... Point of View violations. Ha!

This week, we met to work on POV (Point of View). We've each done research on what POV means, how it can be a useful tool in promoting suspense, sharing the motivations of your characters, and driving your story forward. We had the extra benefit of being able to review writing from each of the POV narratives:

• 1st Person - I picked up the cup and handed it to Donna.
• 2nd Person - you picked up the cup and handed it to Donna.
• 3rd Person - Jackie picked up the cup and handed it to Donna.

Each one serves a different purpose - and puts your reader in a different place. Each one has its benefits and limitations. We saw first person through Sharon's teenage baseball star. Second person was explored through Ralph's exploration of all three POVs, and third person was reviewed both from Bev's intimate (character's inner thoughts) and Fred's more action oriented, third person limited.

Next time, we will meet to give our Elevator Pitches - your story in 15 words or less! and to provide our 250 word "back cover blurb." This is not your full story synopsis, mind you - but a teaser that would entice readers to open your book. It is the most hair-pulling, mind-bending writing that we can do, but a challenge that you'll find well worth it.

Please comment to this posting, and leave your thoughts for good places to research how to write a blurb / elevator pitch!

God bless and good writing... or, as Dan says... metaphors be with you!

~Ashley*

*If you are interested in posting a blog entry, please e-mail me: ashleyludwig@verizon.net and I'll set you up!