[Ella]

Hi Gordon! 

I decided that I wanted to write my book in multiple perspectives and I wanted to get your viewpoint along with maybe some other readers who might enjoy a multiple perspective book. How do you feel about writing one persons perspective then in the next chapter its another persons perspective on the same event? If that makes sense. Do you feel like that would be too repetitive or okay as long as there are enough different details. Thank you for your time. 

 

Ella Rae (hopes to be an author) 

[Ella]

Also follow up question, how do you feel about skipping a few months in between chapters. For example, my first two chapters take place on the last day of 5th grade, then the third chapter starts on the night before 6th. I do indicate this in the beginning of chapter three so there is no confusion. Would this make sense? 

ALSO follow up follow up, sorry I didn't make these more concise but when writing in perspective is it okay to have two chapters in a row of the same character. As you can probably tell I am not very familiar with writing like this. 

Hi, Ella,

If you're familiar with my work then you know that I write different perspectives all the time. But I never repeat an event from another person's viewpoint. The story should carry on. If there is too much repetition, you would lose your reader, I think. The use of language will indicate the different POV subtly, hopefully without bogging down your story.

Re: skipping a few months between chapters. You can skip years if it suits your story. That's fine, but must be done skilfully, of course. You could also indicate the change in time by a heading giving the current date of the action. That's the easiest way.

Re: 2 chapters in a row with the same narrator. I have done it, but only because it just had to be that way. I still prefer not to.

OK? Good luck, Ella!                                                                                       -----Gordon Korman-----

[Ella]

Thank you for your help! One more question, what page number, or chapter, do you think the main event or drama should start?

Thanks loads for your help!

Hi again, Ella,

Just like the length of the book depends on finishing the telling of the story, and not on how many pages a book should be, the action and events are a matter of author's choice. You, as the writer, have to develop a sense of timing -- do you want a long intro to sction, or would a sudden shock be better? Your choice. That's part of being a writer. You'll know.

                                                                                                                                                        ---GK---