Comments on: Writing goals

By: Elodie

Elodie — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 09:38:29 +0000

I’ve only ever read one book in second person form, other than those “make your own adventure!” thing. I remember this quite well because I read it around the time my (despicable) tenth grade english teacher affirmed “there are two points of view in fiction: first and third person.” “nah, miss, there’s also second person.” “no.” So I brought the book in. “See?” “well… it doesn’t count.”
Anyways it was really interesting, and it worked well–like any good book, the actual writing isn’t all that noticeable anyway once you get into the story.
You should write one! Wow, imagine second person omniscient. That would be quite a cool thing.

By: Cameron

Cameron — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 23:30:05 +0000

I think you should consider a ~~unicorn~~ book. This site might give you some inspiration.
(I nearly puked)

If your looking for zombie ideas forget a dating site for the undead – it’s been done.http://mingle2.com/zombieharmony/free-dating-sites

cheers,
Cameron

By: mensley

mensley — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 21:28:32 +0000

Oops. Meant to note that the Turtledove short is also written in 2nd person.

By: mensley

mensley — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 21:26:34 +0000

Charles Stross’ new novel Halting State is written in 2nd person. I believe that one reason he did this was to be an homage to the choose your own adventure books.

Also, Harry Turtledove wrote an hilarious short called “Deconstruction Gang” which is a great tale about putting your literary criticism degree to work.

By: Justine

Justine — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 06:14:31 +0000

Criss: It wouldn’t be a revival—choose your own adventures still exist. I, sadly, do not have the brain for it. I know from having watched Scott write three Powerpuff Girl choose your owns.

Only takes an arvo to write a novel. We pros are just slackers. Off you go! And your English teacher was a liar. It so too can be done. Is just bloody hard.

By: Criss

Criss — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 06:11:45 +0000

You could always revive the “Choose Your Own Adventure” books… that’s 2nd person AND series all in one!

I’ll have to look into the 2nd person titles you mention. Ever since my middle-school English teacher told me books canNOT be written in 2nd person, I’ve wanted to write one. Haven’t gotten around to it yet, but who knows what this afternoon will bring…

By: Justine

Justine — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 06:05:34 +0000

Brent: I imagine there will be some debate as to its SFnalness but me and Scott reckon it is.

Lizabelle: Doesn’t have to be for the entire book. The trilogy is a mix of first and third and I counted it for both. There are some great second person books. My faves are If On A Winter’s Night A Traveller by Italo Calvino and Black Idol by Lisa St Aubin de Teran.

By: Lizabelle

Lizabelle — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 05:25:13 +0000

I’ll be impressed if you manage second person POV for an entire book! Especially if you can actually persuade anyone to read it .

ZOMG, I think Zadie Smith (and half of the ageing Great American Writers) stole your idea for literature!

By: Brent

Brent — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 05:08:42 +0000

HTDYF is SF now? Oooooh, this is gonna be a long month. Faeries, SF, and your writing; three of my favorite things.