Both when I edit and when I beta read for fellow authors, I often encounter novels that use an alternating point of view. Depending on how an alternating POV novel is handled, this choice can prove to be either a boon for the novel—a way to distinguish it from other similar ideas in the marketplace—or a confusing exercise in frustration for the reader, as the multiple points of view eventually blend into one voice.

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How can a writer use alternating point of view to best effect?

1. Make sure that each voice is distinctive. If you are writing from two, three—or even more points of view, make sure that each character the reader encounters sounds different and unique. What about their past life experiences might make them speak differently? Do they speak certain ways with authority figures and other ways with their friends? Does one character speak more casually than another? As always, character development is crucial.

2. Is there a reason you’re using this format? Keep in mind that alternating points of view, or alternating voices, is a choice you are making. And as with all choices you make in your writing, there must be support for this choice. Are you doing this to get inside the heads of these two (or more) characters because the reader needs to understand both of their perspectives? Or are you writing these multiple points of view because you haven’t developed a single point of view well enough?

3. Consider the format you’re using. How are you distinguishing these alternating points of view? Does each voice get their own chapter? Or do you switch off between voices in the middle of one chapter? Does the font change for each voice? The structure? I’ve seen some novels switch between prose and verse for various points of view. None of these answers are necessarily correct; however, it’s important to put time and consideration into why you are choosing the format you do.

4. Make sure you stay consistent within one scene. It’s important to designate specific scenes and chapters to specific characters or points of view. This way, you can avoid confusing the reader by forcing them to jump between different characters’ thoughts and emotions in the same scene. You’re already adding multiple points of view and voices in the novel as a whole, so don’t add the difficulty of different perspectives within the same scene!

5. Read other books that use this format well! After all, so much of successful writing comes from extensive reading. Therefore, studying novels that successfully incorporate alternating points of view is one of the best ways to master the form yourself.

What are some benefits and difficulties of the format?

1. Depending on when your chapters break, alternating points of view can help increase the tension in a manuscript. Right when the action crests, switching over to another character’s perspective can keep your readers on the edge of their seats.

2. Ideally, your readers will not be bored at all (if they are, that’s another thing to fix!), but switching between points of view can increase excitement by allowing the reader to see and experience more of your world.

3. Nailing that distinctive voice. It’s hard and will take many passes through to make sure every word and sentence could only come from that specific character, but it’s possible!

An alternating point of view is tricky to write, but can enhance your story if it’s done with intention and executed well.

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