The point of view you choose for your novel shapes the information that you give your readers. And it shapes how your readers receive and interpret that information.

Which means your point of view actually shapes the story itself. And that’s a really big deal!

The challenge is, point of view can be tricky to master. There are nearly unlimited ways you can craft your point of view. And there are just as many point of view mistakes you can make.

In this episode, I’m sharing the most important mistake I see writers make in their point of view. Here it is:

Being inconsistent.

Ever find yourself accidentally switching between first person and third person point of view? Or between past and present? Or between multiple characters’ perspectives?

Those are inconsistencies. And they’ll distract, confuse, and frustrate your readers.

Not to worry, though! In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why point of view inconsistencies matter
• How to spot inconsistencies in your own writing
• When in the editing process you should correct point of view inconsistencies
• What to do if you’re not sure you’ve caught them all (hint: don’t panic!)
• And more!

Plus, I’ve put together a worksheet for you to reference and practice. In it, I’ll show you what a consistent point of view looks like, and how to spot an inconsistent point of view shift.

Then, challenge yourself to spot all the point of view inconsistencies I’ve hidden in the practice exercise.

Get the worksheet at alicesudlow.com/povworksheet and practice your point of view skills.

Then, pull out a scene of your novel and clean up any point of view inconsistencies you find!

Links mentioned in the episode:

• Point of View Worksheet: alicesudlow.com/povworksheet

Send me a Text Message!

Want my support in your revision?

In Story Clarity, we’ll work one-on-one to sharpen your story’s structure and craft a revision plan that works. If you’re ready for thoughtful, personalized feedback from an editor who gets what you’re trying to do, I’d love to hear what you’re working on.

Get started by telling me about your story here.

Support the show

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

"I love Alice and Your Next Draft." If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more writers through the mess—and joy—of the editing process. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap the stars to rate, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Loving the show? Show your support with a monthly contribution »