Comments on: The Use of “I” in First Person Narration http://www.dailywritingtips.com/the-use-of-%e2%80%9ci%e2%80%9d-in-first-person-narration/ Thu, 09 Feb 2012 22:29:22 +0000 hourly 1 By: Jeannie http://www.dailywritingtips.com/the-use-of-%e2%80%9ci%e2%80%9d-in-first-person-narration/comment-page-1/#comment-373455 Jeannie Tue, 22 Mar 2011 16:37:34 +0000 http://www.dailywritingtips.com/?p=4377#comment-373455 As you can tell, I am trying hard not to use the word "I" in my first peron letter to you. How do I keep from starting sentences with "I" and avoiding always using beginning phrases with a word ending in "ing"? Thank you for your help and attention. Yours, Jeannie As you can tell, I am trying hard not to use the word “I” in my first peron letter to you. How do I keep from starting sentences with “I” and avoiding always using beginning phrases with a word ending in “ing”?
Thank you for your help and attention.

Yours,
Jeannie

]]> By: angie http://www.dailywritingtips.com/the-use-of-%e2%80%9ci%e2%80%9d-in-first-person-narration/comment-page-1/#comment-300359 angie Tue, 20 Jul 2010 06:11:49 +0000 http://www.dailywritingtips.com/?p=4377#comment-300359 This comment is for Aggi-- Here's a suggestion. Write from the heart, and stop worrying about what a computer programme tells you about your skill to write....use the 'ignore' button and keep moving forward. When it comes time to seek publishing, you can always worry about it then if the publisher thinks it a problem. However, writing from the first person perspective means that you have a voice, if you can never say me or my or I then how can you tell the reader what you are feeling. So, in conclusion--avoid over doing it with said words and just write from the heart. If you re-read it and it feels uncomfortable, then you can rethink it. After all..Uncle Monty can't be expecting anyone else right? You are only me, myself or I. This comment is for Aggi–

Here’s a suggestion. Write from the heart, and stop worrying about what a computer programme tells you about your skill to write….use the ‘ignore’ button and keep moving forward. When it comes time to seek publishing, you can always worry about it then if the publisher thinks it a problem. However, writing from the first person perspective means that you have a voice, if you can never say me or my or I then how can you tell the reader what you are feeling. So, in conclusion–avoid over doing it with said words and just write from the heart. If you re-read it and it feels uncomfortable, then you can rethink it.

After all..Uncle Monty can’t be expecting anyone else right? You are only me, myself or I.

]]> By: Aggi Arrowsmith http://www.dailywritingtips.com/the-use-of-%e2%80%9ci%e2%80%9d-in-first-person-narration/comment-page-1/#comment-256693 Aggi Arrowsmith Fri, 26 Mar 2010 13:21:48 +0000 http://www.dailywritingtips.com/?p=4377#comment-256693 I am writing a story in the first person, are there any tips or tricks for avoiding the use of the word 'my' or 'me' I have almost mastered the 'I' word, but not the word my' For example.... Uncle Monty is expecting my arrival. Grammar check keeps reminding 'me' the word my! Is in the first person, I know this, but the grammar check refuse to give-in. Without going into exhausting of re-writing Uncle Monty expecting my arrival. Is there an better way of writing in the first person? Yours Aggi Arrowsmith I am writing a story in the first person, are there any tips or tricks for avoiding the use of the word ‘my’ or ‘me’ I have almost mastered the ‘I’ word, but not the word my’ For example…. Uncle Monty is expecting my arrival. Grammar check keeps reminding ‘me’ the word my! Is in the first person, I know this, but the grammar check refuse to give-in. Without going into exhausting of re-writing Uncle Monty expecting my arrival. Is there an better way of writing in the first person?

Yours Aggi Arrowsmith

]]> By: Bill Swan http://www.dailywritingtips.com/the-use-of-%e2%80%9ci%e2%80%9d-in-first-person-narration/comment-page-1/#comment-227631 Bill Swan Thu, 04 Feb 2010 04:25:19 +0000 http://www.dailywritingtips.com/?p=4377#comment-227631 About first person: use of the word "I" in first person narrative is usually poorly done -- and overdone. Two guidelines: first, never start a document with the word "I" (the exception may be a Dear John letter). As well, avoid starting any paragraph with the word. Why? To avoid overuse. Starting with "I" says this is all about you. Thus, the exception for Dear John. And remember: "I" and "me" in first person narration are there only to define viewpoint. Once that's established, then move into standard narrative (third person). The reader won't miss it. Move back only when needed to bring the reader with you. Write that way? No. Pour on the first person, but use a sharp razor when you edit. Three first person references in each 1,000 words is a good rule of thumb. Let yourself have six if this is too tough. About first person: use of the word “I” in first person narrative is usually poorly done — and overdone. Two guidelines: first, never start a document with the word “I” (the exception may be a Dear John letter). As well, avoid starting any paragraph with the word. Why? To avoid overuse. Starting with “I” says this is all about you. Thus, the exception for Dear John.
And remember: “I” and “me” in first person narration are there only to define viewpoint. Once that’s established, then move into standard narrative (third person). The reader won’t miss it. Move back only when needed to bring the reader with you. Write that way? No. Pour on the first person, but use a sharp razor when you edit. Three first person references in each 1,000 words is a good rule of thumb. Let yourself have six if this is too tough.

]]> By: David Jarrett http://www.dailywritingtips.com/the-use-of-%e2%80%9ci%e2%80%9d-in-first-person-narration/comment-page-1/#comment-226649 David Jarrett Tue, 02 Feb 2010 17:00:47 +0000 http://www.dailywritingtips.com/?p=4377#comment-226649 I do not enjoy reading novels written in the first person, even though it is a trend that has become quite well established now. Somehow, I have a hard time putting myself "into the story" when there is another "I" in there doing the narrative. When I browse the shelves looking for novels, those written in the first person are usually put aside right away. I'm not saying that very good fiction cannot be written this way -- I just do not enjoy it as a reader. I do not enjoy reading novels written in the first person, even though it is a trend that has become quite well established now. Somehow, I have a hard time putting myself “into the story” when there is another “I” in there doing the narrative. When I browse the shelves looking for novels, those written in the first person are usually put aside right away. I’m not saying that very good fiction cannot be written this way — I just do not enjoy it as a reader.

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