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a method of storytelling in which the narrator knows the thoughts and feelings of all of the characters in the story . . ..I've considered the use of this POV lately and wondered if it would be difficult to write. Initially, I thought it would be the simpler way because you can be in everyone's heads. No worrying about being accused of head hopping because, well, you're in everyone's heads. So, of course you're head hopping. It's the nature of omniscient. But would it be confusing to the reader if not done well?
Have you ever written in omniscient or seen it done well? Am I making it harder than it should be?
For my genre, Mystery/Suspense, first person works well. When I took the advice of "experts" and converted a portion of my WIP to third person and then omniscient POV, I found it difficult. I am sure part of the reason was being "sold" on first person. I was out of my comfort zone. Genre does matter, also, I think.
ReplyDeletehttp://gail-baugniet.blogspot.com Theme: A World of Crime
I think the trick to omni is to view it as a separate character. You don't switch pov from character to character, you view each character from one perspective (the narrator's) who happens to know everything. That way you maintain a consistent voice. If you don't do that it will still feel like head hopping.
ReplyDeletemood
Moody Writing
@mooderino
The Funnily Enough
Personally I enjoy reading this POV when it's done well. Unfortunately I think it's falling out of favour in some genres and markets.
ReplyDeleteAn excellent O word.....one I have never heard of.However you made it sound so interesting, I think as I poetry writer this wouldn't apply to me.
ReplyDeleteYvonne.
Never considered it. Sounds extremely difficult and confusing, BUT 'MOOD' made an interesting point and when I think of places I've seen it done well (mostly movies) that's exactly what they did - create a separate narrator type character.
ReplyDeleteI think it's definitely harder to do well. I occasionally write books that I alternate by chapter or scene, but i've never tried omniscient. I think it's because it really is only suited for certain genres--I write mystery and suspense and both depend on the reader being a little bit in the dark.
ReplyDeleteI would agree that Moody got it right--that it can work well for a narrator who knows the whole story... Tolstoy did it with War & Peace--I actually love the narrator that talks directly to the reader.
I haven't written in omniscient much. I think it might be tough to pull off, yet I've seen people do it well. You'd have to have a clear objective storywise to know whose head to be in at different moments I would think.
ReplyDeletePOV is one of my nightmare things. I've switched it in the middle of stories, to my own detriment. I've started in 3rd limited when I meant it to be 3rd omniscient. Also, funny LOL cat. :)
ReplyDeleteMy novel, Each Angel Burns, is written from the omniscient POV which is perfect for it because the story unfolds from three different perspectives that ultimately converge. I find it pleasant to write.
ReplyDeleteI have always wanted to do this pov too, but frankly I'm scared of it:) I don't know if I could pull it off.
ReplyDeleteDonna, It really is easy...I wrote my first book, Life through the Eyes of a Hurricane: Doggie-Dog! using this and it was just fun!
ReplyDeletegreat word....
Oh boy, I don't think I'm ready to tackle this POV. I'm just not sure how it's done right, you know? So if you get any good examples, let me know so I can study them. :)
ReplyDeleteYeah it isn't that hard when tried, you just have to get your mindset in such a way as you write.
ReplyDeleteA challenge I would have with omniscient POV would be keeping the right balance of suspense. Some authors are great at omniscience and suspense, but I would worry that by knowing what everyone is thinking I would give too much away.
ReplyDeleteIt would make a great exercise though, to write certain parts of my novel in omniscient POV, then go back and rewrite in 1st person. Hmmm... Maybe I'll have to give that a try.
I think for that POV, you can be in everyone's heads, but you should still focus on one character at a time. that way your reader is never confused. I might give it a shot myself someday :)
ReplyDeleteOh boy, third person omniscient. Try teaching a bunch of 8th graders the difference between third person limited and omniscient-bane of my existence.
ReplyDeleteOmniscient is hard to do and not sound like telling. I'm working on something right now with 3rd Omniscient, but with a twist!
ReplyDeleteOh, man. I don't know if I will ever get the hang of this POV. It's so encompassing. Good thing books like Redwall exist for good examples of it.
ReplyDeleteI noticed you're reading Elantris. You have chosen wisely. :)
I imagine it's difficult to do well. Never attempted it.
ReplyDeleteI ditto Alex' comment. I've done close 3rd and 1st, past and present - but omniscient, nope.
ReplyDeleteDitto on Jaye's comment....maybe someday I'll try it but first I need to get better about 1st & 3rd. LOL!
ReplyDeleteI have never written this way but sounds very cool and I think it would be harder than it seems. Hope your week is going well!
ReplyDeleteI don't think I am ready for this PoV. I am still working at perfecting 1st and 3rd...
ReplyDeleteI've written in omniscient; my first novel was told entirely that way. It's one of my favorite writing styles.
ReplyDeleteThe Golden Eagle
The Eagle's Aerial Perspective
It's a hard POV and not feel like head-hopping. I cna't think of a novel I've read that did it well.
ReplyDeleteJust found you on A to Z--great posts.
It's a hard POV and not feel like head-hopping. I cna't think of a novel I've read that did it well.
ReplyDeleteJust found you on A to Z--great posts.
I tried this long ago with one of my drawer manuscripts.
ReplyDeleteI haven't written in this yet. It sounds intriguing though. Any examples from books I might have read? I definitely need to look into this. Fun idea. :)
ReplyDeleteThis isn't my favorite pov. I get confused about who is thinking what. Also, I love it when you know what a non-pov character is thinking by their actions and because you know them so well.
ReplyDeleteBut with anything, if it is done well, it can be awesome. It might be something to try out with a few scenes.
Many of the classical writers wrote in Omniscient POV. I've been told that it's out of style these days because it leaves the reader with little to do and can be stilted. I personally like the thought of being omniscient. Makes me feel powerful...rofl. Someday...
ReplyDeleteI think I use it every now and then to illustrate a point but in general terms no. I do...however, love reading novels where it is used as motivation for certain actions can't always be demonstrated effectively and I am someone who always wants to know why!
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