Question about Headful of Ghosts

[wesleysgirl]

So Xander has left the building. He's coming back. Some stuff happens to him while he's out on the streets (briefly) -- but I can't show that unless I write the scene from his POV. So far, I've managed to stick to Spike and Angel's POVs only, and it was my intention to keep it that way. But it might be better to show what happens with him after he goes outside (as opposed to having him tell it to Spike when he gets back.) But then I've got a story with three POVs instead of just two.

Thoughts?

Comments

[ladycat777.livejournal.com]

Can you have him tell it? Or Spike happen to witness/guess some of it?

[sottovoce10.livejournal.com]

I honestly don't think there's any problem with that. The only reason there's ever an issue with POV is when the writer isn't skilled enough to make shifts of POV clear, so the emphasis in writing instruction/advice is to stick with a specific POV. Seems to me, one can do whatever one wants within the techniques of fiction as long as the reader is taken along and not left confused. Thinking as I'm writing here. For Xander's POV to suddenly appear here, it might be odd in terms of the established flow (but not necessarily). I think it would depend on how long the fic turns out to be and if Xander's POV becomes part of the overall narrative. His POV for time outside would be much more direct and immediate. But if it was only a one time in his, then it might seem to stand out. That wasn't any help at all. Really, when it comes down to it, as a reader I'd just follow along in his perspective as I did when it was Angel's. The story is so well written and engaging that the narrative power tends to overwhelm everything.

[paratti.livejournal.com]

If you've already got two povs, I don't see why fully rotating the pov is a problem. This way you'll also get Xander's view on what's happened to him and still is.

I see no problems

[yasminke.livejournal.com]

It might actually help the story if Xander were to tell what had happened -- to lead him there with Willow's body, the apocalyptic scenario and what happened once he caught up with him. It gives readers a new insight and adds a layer of (re)action to the events. Plus, unless Spike can be everywhere at all times, he isn't' going to chase after Xander. Kinda busy at the moment...

[julia-here.livejournal.com]

If you're secure in your Xander voice (which you darn well should be) go for it- unless you're reluctant to do it because it intereferes with the way the story feels to you. Then I think you've got two choices: slip into third person omniscient, or end up with exposition through dialogue after the fact.

I just wwrote a chapter with four different POVs, so I may not be the best person to listen to, though.

Julia, scattered

[minitrog.livejournal.com]

As a reader I like a story with multiple POVs. I also think that Xander's POV coming in here will have tremendous impact - so good then. *g*

[helenkacan.livejournal.com]

I'm thinking there would be no problem in adding Xander's POV. Until now, everything that's happened has been filmed within the hotel through the eyes of its primary inhabitants, including Xander's arrival (carrying Willow). [Obviously I'm seeing this in visual terms.]

Even Xander's reactions after the rape are muted. [And why does it take SO much to get him to leave?] But, if his POV is going to bring us greater clarity when he returns (even with a more involved storyline), I say do it. Perhaps you could do his POV in a different font or size? Just in case we're too clueless to get it?

Once again, I don't know if *enjoying* is the right word, but *WOW* definitely is!

Thanks,
H.

[tabaqui]

Dunno if you want to do this but...write it from Xander's POV and see what you think. If you utterly hate it, you can then use what you wrote to help build him telling Spike what happened in Spike's POV.

Ultimately, it comes down to you reading what you've got and going - wow, i love that! or wow - that toally screws up the vibe i wanted, i hate it.

I'm enjoying this story SO MUCH. At this point, anything you add will make me do little dances, but i toally understand that if you had a 'plan' you're reluctant to change it.

Dunno if that helped AT ALL. Heh. Sorry.
Good luck!

[herself_nyc]

I think you can handle as many POV switches as you want.

In my novel, I've got a character who is only introduced a third of the way into it, and yet she's a POV character. You can do whatever you want.

[mpoetess.livejournal.com]

What tabaqui said. Also what helenkacan said. :)

[mythologian.livejournal.com]

I highly doubt it will hurt the story since you've never appeared to have any issue with writing Xander clearly enough for a reader not to get confused which would be the main issue if any, not to mention it might help some to see things from his POV.