 Short Stories: September 17, 2008 Issue [#2614] |
  Short Stories
This week: Edited by: Kate - Writing & Reading  
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All that I see or seem
is but a dream within a dream.
Edgar Alan Poe
I am honored ot be your guest host for this week's WDC Short Story Newsletter. I hope you enjoy the journey as we focus on some different perspectives. |
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Greetings!
Thank you for welcoming me into your virtual home once again as your guest host of this week’s WDC Short Story Newsletter.
We’ve recently explored together two points of view. First person, where the writer relates a story up close and personal. Second person, where the writer addresses the reader and puts the reader in the story as the character, leading him/her along, telling him/her what to do and think. Each conveys a single point of view – mine or yours (as I relay it) throughout the story.
Now, I’d like to explore a misperception I had for a long time – multiple points of view.
 “He grabbed my purse off my arm and shuffled off, tried to blend into the crowd, but he tripped over my swinging cane and I stumbled on top of him and that’s what happened!” (point of view of the would-be victim)
“The old witch whacked me across the knees for no reason and I got tangled up in her handbag as I went down. I think I sprained my ankle.” (point of view of the would –be thief on the corner, lying prone, droopy drawers around his ankles)
“Roll over and hands where I can see them.” (point of view of the officer addressing the prone would-be purse-snatcher, as he retrieves the lady’s purse.) “Ma’am, are you okay? Did he hurt you in any way? Do you need any medical assistance?”
Three points of view? No, just one. Each of these is in the first person – as related by the character (I’ve left out more detailed descriptives here, but you can picture the scene, I think. What we’ve seen is one view, personal, from three individual perspectives ~ that of the would-be victim, the would-be perp, and an officer fortunately at the scene. None of the three acted as an impartial observer or as an outside observer. So, one point of view, three perspectives.
In a short story, one perspective normally drives the story, that of the main character, whether it be in the first person or as related by the author in second or third person. In some longer short stories, two perspectives may appear, perhaps an antagonist playing off the protagonist to foreshadow action to take place, or near the end, to help solve a mystery or to resolve the plot that’s been unfolding along the way and bring the story to its satisfying conclusion.
In a short story, the focus of the story can change as the writer describes actions, perceptions, motivation of the protagonist or main character in one scene, then perhaps the next scene the antagonist, then summing up with the focus on the observer or ancillary character (the arresting officer above?).
In a novel, chapter-by-chapter interplay can work, I think, but in a short story, the perspective of one character would drive the story, allowing the reader to identify with or empathize with that character. The author might change the focus or perspective for a scene or two in a short story for added scenic depth or to foreshadow (plant a clue or lead the reader) to a natural and satisfying resolution of the story itself.
So, perspective and focus, as designed by the author, can hold one point of view through a story, as conveyed through the actions of several characters. Maybe it will work for one of your short stories ~ really draw the reader into the ‘otherworld’ you’ve created.
Thank you again for your welcome – and I hope you enjoy the following stories offered for your reading pleasure ~ and perhaps offer the writers a few comments in return.
Until we next meet,
I hope you stay ‘focused’ 
Keep Writing!
Kate
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Enjoy the 'view' and share your comments as to perspective and point of view with these authors who have penned some stories for our reading (and reviewing) pleasure
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Some unique perspectives await the Muse in this creative challenge
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And this personal favorite incites daily challenges the Muse Creative
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HAPPY 8TH BIRTHDAY WDC
Until we next meet along the byways of our Community,
Enjoy the ride, 'focused' on the joy of it~
Keep Writing!
Kate
Kate - Writing & Reading
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