Confession Writing - Writing in the First Person

            Since confession writing is usually a story told about one’s self, it is usually written in the first person.  I have, on a very few occasions, seen stories published in third person; but it is not the norm.

Until 30 years ago when I started writing confession stories, I pretty much had been writing everything in the third person.  I wouldn’t say it was hard switching to first; what was hard was switching back and forth, since I still write most other fiction in third person.

Still, there is something very personal and satisfying about writing in the first person.  It frees me to share my innermost feelings.  Or, the innermost feelings of the person I am writing about.  Yes, this can be done with third person to an extent, but not in the same way.

Of course, while I may love being able to share those innermost feelings of the main character, the luxury of this is only extended to the person telling the story.  In other words, you can’t read minds, so you cannot write about what other characters are thinking.

Okay, I did read a novel by a very famous writer who tried to do this.  I think their may be a name for it, but I personally had been taught you cannot get inside another person’s head, and found I was uncomfortable reading that novel. 

Now, if you are wondering how you can disclose things others are thinking, well, you can’t.  You have to give them life and have them express themselves.  They must tell what they are thinking, or at least show some of what is going on inside their heads by their actions.

Also, another thing I like about writing in first person is that it’s like talking to someone.  Perhaps it is because I enjoy talking to people, I enjoy writing in the first person.

Writing confession stories can be fun.  However, just like any writing, it takes practice.  I suggest any of you who have not written in the first person, take something you have already written, and for practice rewrite it from only one person’s point of view.  Tell only what they observe, or know, or have been told. Everything else has to be uncovered by the main character in conversation or observation.

I wish you much luck writing confession and personal experience stories.  I will be offering more tips from time to time; plus market news as I find out about it.

Of course, you can feel free to also add some of your own tips.

If interested in learning more about me, or finding any of my novels, you can do it here.