This Voice or That Voice

I drafted the first two chapters of Upturned Stones on a whim. They were exciting and inspiring and in first person.

I took a break after the second chapter to outline. I spent a good month figuring out back stories, getting to know the characters, and then detailing the scenes that would tell the story. And in my dictatorial fashion, I declared that the real first draft would be in third person.

I re-drafted the first chapter in third person. It was fine, but not as exciting or inspiring. I tried to begin the second chapter, and as I mentioned yesterday, I just spun my wheels on it.

With renewed vigor, I took up that important second chapter again today, and out it came. Not great, but in a big gust of ideas and excitement. It roughly but adequately laid the groundwork for the next scene.

And it is in first person.

I didn't realize it until halfway in, and instead of fighting it, I embraced Evie's voice. I'll chalk it up to following my instincts and trying something new, even though I tend not to like first person fiction as much. I have heard that for novice writers first person is far easier to work with, so I guess I'll just go with it.

Cheers for almost 3,000 words today!