Starting Lesson 2 -- Voice & Point of View

Here's what you should learn this lesson:

• Voice can be seen in two ways: the voice of characters, and the voice of the author.  Both concepts carry their own sense of importance.
• Point of view is really the vocal footprint of the speaker in your writing.  It answers this question: from where does this voice come?  Point of view is seen in three ways: First person, utilizing the "I" speaker, Second person bring in an imagined "you", and finally Third person, a remote speaker that repors from the perspective of certain players.

This topic definitely helps me with my blog.  Everyone needs their on voice and I'm working on finding mine.

Lesson Objectives

By the end of this lesson you should be able to:

• Demonstrate honest, genuine, precise writing about your life.
• Determine first, second and third person points of view.
• Depict past and present tense.
• Discuss the notion of "voice" as it relates to characters and the author.

First and third person are pretty easy for me to do.  Once I try writing in the second person I seem to forget how to write.  The tenses are easy too, when I pay attention.  If I just start writing then I tend to switch from past to present.  I'm trying to get better at catching it.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1. Creative Writing Assignment ~ Topic: Point of View (50 points - 750 words).  Start with this single fact: A dog has been hit by a car.  Now write about the incident from three different perspectives: first, second, and third person.  What's important in each exercise is to stick with the assigned point of view.  Each exapmple will be about one page of writing in standard format.

a. 250 words in first person - Start with: "I saw..."

b. 250 words in second person - Start with: "You won't believe..."

c. 250 words in third person - Start with: "The dog..."

Once my assignment is graded I will post my stories along with my grade I get.  Until then, you must wait!