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/ Fri, 30 Jul 2010 07:00:37 -0300 hourly 1 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.

]]> By: Barry http://www.dailywritingtips.com/the-use-of-%e2%80%9ci%e2%80%9d-in-first-person-narration/comment-page-1/#comment-225919 Barry Mon, 01 Feb 2010 17:21:43 +0000 http://www.dailywritingtips.com/?p=4377#comment-225919 As a political consultant specializing in media, the question is answered one way very simply on how to best utilize the first person scenario. Many political speeches refer to "we" as a position of solidarity in an issue under discussion. Remedial action to solving a problem (politicians are primarily problem solvers and a representative voice) refer to what they promise they will do for the constituency in the first person, then interjecting "we" as encouraging an esprit de corps of the listener to help back and carry out that promise (a technique that subconsciously garners political solidarity with the speaker). A very good example is the Inaugural Address of Theodore Roosevelt. Roosevelt does not use or refer to the first person at all in his address… A good speech at that and very much applies to our trying times. Respectfully submitted (and if you haven’t noticed, clearly avoiding using a first person reference in this note.) As a political consultant specializing in media, the question is answered one way very simply on how to best utilize the first person scenario. Many political speeches refer to “we” as a position of solidarity in an issue under discussion. Remedial action to solving a problem (politicians are primarily problem solvers and a representative voice) refer to what they promise they will do for the constituency in the first person, then interjecting “we” as encouraging an esprit de corps of the listener to help back and carry out that promise (a technique that subconsciously garners political solidarity with the speaker).

A very good example is the Inaugural Address of Theodore Roosevelt. Roosevelt does not use or refer to the first person at all in his address… A good speech at that and very much applies to our trying times.

Respectfully submitted
(and if you haven’t noticed, clearly avoiding using a first person reference in this note.)

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