POV and Reader Loyalty

I'm particularly interested in hearing from authors, editors, reviewers, publishers, agents etc., in Gathers on this one. Some time ago I read comments written by Patricia Cornwell's fans who were very upset when she switched from first person to third person POV. I don't know if she lost any followers. I certainly didn't quit buying her books, but all the same, it is something to think about.

I know the arguments for using first person POV vs. third person POV and readers do have their preference. Does this mean that authors are "stuck" with their decision? All things being equal (high quality of work, interesting plot, crisp dialogue, etc.), if an author decides to switch POV in a series like Cornwell did, will he/she risk losing readership?

What do you think?

Comments: 12

Betty DeRamus Dec 29, 2007, 2:17pm EST

I am sorry, I really have no clue. This one I must have missed. sorry

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Kev B. Dec 29, 2007, 5:24pm EST

I sometimes have a hard time reading 1st person POV... but I don't think I'd stop reading if an author I like started writing that way if it that author was good at it and the stories were enjoyable.

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Danielle P. Dec 29, 2007, 5:38pm EST

I love Patricia Cornwell and read her books no matter what.

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Ann B. Dec 29, 2007, 9:08pm EST

I don't believe I've stopped reading a favored author because they've switched POV. That's an interesting observation. I'll be interested in the discussion on this.

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Minnette M. Dec 30, 2007, 1:50pm EST

POV is a slippery slope sometimes, but if the writing is good, it shouldn't make a bit of difference. If readers enjoy the book and the author, I would think it would refreshing to see something a little different. I like it when a writer tries something new, especially if s/he are good at it. I've enjoyed every type of POV and write in them all. I've also read in all POVs and enjoyed each thoroughly.

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~Sia McKye~ Dec 30, 2007, 1:52pm EST

Patricia Cornwell is a good writer regardless of the style of POV she would use. Isn't writing a creative, ever changing growth process? I wouldn't stop reading an author I liked simply because they POV, series or no. Personally I prefer 3rd person, but I have read some great stories done in 1st person.

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Marta Stephens Dec 30, 2007, 2:33pm EST

Lots fo great feedback here! Thanks everyone. I write in 3rd person limited but have written a few things about my character in 1st person his POV and really -- I mean really got into it. With one book published, the second on my publisher's lap, and starting the third in the series, I've been wondering how or if it would affect those who have read and liked the first books if I made the switch. I tend to be a risk taker but always want to check out the options. :)

Kev, Minnette, and Sylvia, I'd like to invite you to read the excerpt listed on my page in Gathers and would love your comments!!

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Gary Gentry Dec 30, 2007, 3:02pm EST

As long as a writer uses one POV for the entire work, I don't mind. I just struggled through "A Breath of Snow and Ashes" by Diana Gabaldon in which she changes POV frequently, sometimes even within a single chapter. It made for very difficult reading of what was otherwise a well written novel.

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Gary Gentry Dec 30, 2007, 3:03pm EST

I much prefer writing in 1st person, even with its limitations. I find I can tell the story more easily.

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Cheryl R. Dec 30, 2007, 4:55pm EST

I wouldn't want to limit any creative process by an author. I think a good story is a good story; no matter from what point of view it is written.

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Barbara C. Dec 30, 2007, 7:00pm EST

POV is a subject I knew nothing about until an editor got after me for switching different pov's in a scene and then I began to notice that doing so seems to distract the reader. Sometimes it's important to stick to one pov in order to avoid confusion.
Who said that? Who thought that? Where did that come from. What confuses me is when the authors voice is not to be used , the editor tells me you must find a way to get it said through your protagonist? I have much to learn on this subject and I fear many others also!

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POV and Reader Loyalty

Comments: 12

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