I’ve started writing Carol’s Christmas, and while I was writing on Friday night, I discovered something. I don’t like 3rd person. I used to love writing in it, but I’ve been writing in first person so much lately, that to write in third person feels… awkward.

Now many of you will be saying, what on earth are you talking about? So here is my definition of third and first person.

Third person is where you are outside, observing the person you are reading. You can see their reactions, but you can’t see what they’re thinking. Example:

“She also needs her Mum to be there and listen to her.”
Her heart pumped hard in her chest, “I am here for her.”
“Really? Where were you when she rang me?” She opened her mouth but Noah beat her to it. “In your office.” Carol felt her heart plummet to the bottom of a deep pit.“Our little girl is growing up and you’re missing it. You’re too focused on money and success, don’t lose her too.” He hugged her and then left. The noise of the door shutting echoing through the silent house. Here she was, standing in a large modern three bedroom place, and all on her own. On Christmas Day.

First person is where you are inside their head. You can see their thoughts and feelings and you can feel like you are that person when you are reading. Example:

“She also needs her Mum to be there and listen to her.”
My heart pump hard in my chest, “I am here for her.”
“Really? Where were you when she rang me?” I opened my mouth but Noah beat me to it. “In your office.” I nodded. My heart was now plummeting to the bottom of a deep pit. “Our little girl is growing up and you’re missing it. You’re too focused on money and success, don’t lose her too.” He hugged me and then left. The noise of the door shutting echoed through the silent house. Here I was, standing in a large modern three bedroom place, and all on my own. On Christmas Day.

Which do you prefer? I’m now going to go back and make corrections to change what I’ve already written (close to 3k) and put it into first person, because it feels more personal to me.

This is an unedited version too, so this isn’t going to be the final story. If you want me to post up on facebook, like I did on Finding Sam’s Family, let me know.

Hope you all have a good week.

Kia kaha

Catherine x