Dear writer (and reader) friends,
I’m working on a new book. (!!!) A book I am seriously excited about. It’s an adult magical realism romance that involves hot chocolate that makes the drinker dream of their future and mood-altering caramels and truffles and other handmade chocolates and a compass that always points a little girl to the people she will love. And, of course, it involves a love story.
But I have this dilemma. This new WIP is mostly from my MC Penelope’s point of view. But–and this is a big but and my entire reason for writing this post–I have a few, maybe 5 out of 55, scenes that would work much better from love interest Noah’s POV. I don’t want to do complete split-POV story, but I really want a little of his side in there. These scenes would come at strategic points in the story, and (hopefully) add a little more tension and swoony moments. But I’m worried only having a few of these scenes would be jarring for the reader. I’m still early in my drafting, and trying to figure out if I need to add more Noah scenes from the start or if I need to scrap the whole multiple POV thing and rework the plan for those 5 scenes before I even get to them.
So, what do y’all think of having a small number of scenes from Noah’s POV? Can it work or would it be distracting? Have you seen other books do this successfully? Thoughts? Suggestions?
Sincerely,
A (temporarily) POV-challenged writer
confessions of a fangirl 
Well, I enjoy dual POV, as you know. 😉 I think it could work if it’s done right. (Which I know you can do!) If you find you want/need more than five scenes then I’d add, but don’t worry about making it even. That’s my 2 cents, anyway.
PS. This sounds awesome! I can’t wait to read it!
Thanks, Rachel! I love multiple POVs too. The full split just doesn’t feel right for this story. I may be wrong though. I really appreciate the input and the vote of confidence! ♡
I think having a handful of scenes peppered throughout would be enjoyable. They could be full on chapters or even just one paragraph of important thoughts. I think it’s wise to not have a split pov as I believe it’s done too often and too often I’m pulled out of the flow in order to readjust to each voice. This story sounds awesome:)
Thanks, Booknerderie! So happy to have the input of a fellow book fangirl!
You’re welcome 😉 I’m excited for you and please post updates of your WIP. I’m intrigued. Either way you go, it’ll be awesome.
I’m all for at least trying it! Because even if you end up deciding not to use them, writing them will still help you to get deeper into Noah’s character and maybe give you some insights that you might not gain just sticking to Penelope’s.
Afterward, if they disrupt flow or stick out too noticeably from the rest of the story, you can always rework the info into the your main POV. Personally, I do like for POVs to be spread out evenly, but that’s only in my own writing. It has never bothered me in books I’ve read unless the split POV stemmed from laziness or the author not having a firm grip on her characters. I don’t think you have to worry about either of those things!
Thank you, Court! I can always rely on you for such good guidance! ♡ I’m gonna try it and see what happens.
I agree with the comment above about trying it 🙂 Nothing to lose! I personally love multiple POVs, and think a few key scenes from “the other side” could be really great. Or you could always add scenes to make it dual, but I wouldn’t worry too much about making the POVs even. Good luck!
Thank you, Victoria! 🙂 I really appreciate the feedback.