Point of view (POV) can be a tricky aspect of writing.  I know I tend to switch POV without warning and have to go back and fix it while editing.  I generally stick with second person.  Here’s a quick, basic explanation of POV.  One of the rules I have read repetitively is, stay in one POV.  Pick the one that works with the story and stick with it.  Sounds like good advice.

Then there’s Head Hopping.  Changing POV within one scene.  That’s a no no.  I’ve read changing POV within a scene is confusing to readers.

Hmmmmm……

The book I’m reading now, changes POV within the scene between the two main characters.  It’s like getting two views on the same scene.  I like it.  Other books have changed POV with chapters.  One chapter is the POV of one character and the next is someone else.  This doesn’t bother me.  I will admit if there are too many characters with different POVs it can get cluttered and confusing.  Most books seem to keep it at a manageable 2 or 3.

Granted multiple POVs don’t work with every type of book. And not all writer’s do it well.  I think it takes a strong writer, who knows his characters very well to change POVs within the same scene/book.

I have used it, multiple POVs,  in small amounts.  I like the ability to have another character’s eyes on a situation, especially in a mystery.  I like to have the victim to tell the beginning of the story, to set the stage, then have my protagonist take over the majority of the story.  I don’t know how well this will go over, but I like it.

How do you handle POV?  What’s your opinion on multiple POVs and Head Hopping?

CK