two narrators
yellingintothevoid:
Dunno if you're still posting about the two narrators question, but I wrote a novel (which is in query phase right now) with two first-person narrators. My trick was to write one in past tense and one in present (and the present-tense character 'wrote' in shorter sentences and more slang, and also a kind of manic tone). He also had only a few chapters to avoid that tone becoming grating. Just my two cents. :3
Cool!!!!!!!
dariovalles:
I would suggest reading Derrida's theories on Dialogics to grasp a method of making voice and style distinctive. I'm sure if you search the web, you can find great examples. I am also working on a novel with two different POVs and two distinct narrators. Shit be cray.
bruisedheart:
I have a fairly distinct writing voice and right now I'm writing a novel from two different (first person) POVs. I'm having such a hard time making these characters sound distinct enough -- any advice?
Hmmmmmmmmm.
That’s a tough question, because it’s hard to separate voice and style, especially in the first person.
My suggestion would be to reach outside your voice with one of your characters. In the same way I tell people to imagine other people you know well when writing dialogue, try thinking about some other characters or people when writing your second “not you voice” character.
I’d also suggest writing all of the first character’s sections at one time. Then maybe take a little break from writing, and when you start up your second piece, take some time to get “in character”. Practice writing in that second voice until it sound distinct and unique, and then start writing that character’s sections. Afterwards you can splice the two together.
Anyone else have experience with this type of problem and have anything to add?
