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It's not quite so easy to find good collections to read, though. As a result I grab them wherever I can and hope for the best. When I picked up this Ali Smith collection, I hadn't read her novels but I knew her name.
These stories are an experiment in viewpoint - many of them are written in the second person, which is why I picked it for today's recommendation. (If you don't know, I'm highlighting books which have influenced me in some way - these posts are not intended to be book reviews.)
The second person viewpoint interested me because I'd already had my story That Sadie Thing published - a story written partly in second person. It's a viewpoint that challenges the writer - fingers crossed that I got it right, then! As with anything, when done well you hardly notice that the story is being written in an unconventional way; when done badly, it's the only thing you notice!
Have you read Ali Smith's short stories or novels? Have you written a story is second person? Do you enjoy reading stories written in second?
writing short stories is a art...one that I am not very good at!
ReplyDeleteIn much the same way, I think novel writing is an art - one that I need to work on.
DeleteI've never heard of Ali Smith before! I'll have to check her out! :D
ReplyDeleteI think she's worth it.
DeleteI used to love reading Choose Your Own Adventure stories when I was a kid. I've never written in the second person though.
ReplyDeleteOh yes, I'd forgotten about them.
DeleteI recently read Chris Bohjalian's novel, THE NIGHT STRANGERS, and one of the POVs is in second person. It threw me at first, but once I got used to it, I enjoyed it - it really set itself off from the other POVs in the story and it made me feel like I was in the character's skin (which is kind of odd because I would think first person POV would do that more/better. Interesting.)
ReplyDeleteExactly - it can be a much more oppressive and intense experience. I'll look out for that book, too - thanks.
DeleteI've never read anything by Ali Smith before, but I do enjoy short stories. I'm not sure I could write one, but would be willing to try. It doesn't matter (usually) to me the POV the story is written in, so long as it's a good story:)
ReplyDeleteI think if the POV stands out, then the writing is bad. But the right POV makes a huge difference to your enjoyment and understanding.
DeleteThank you for another recommendation - always on the look out for good short stories!
ReplyDeleteThey are hard to track down sometimes, aren't they?
DeleteI'm not a huge fan of the second person... I find it confusing to write and to read! It is hard to do well.
ReplyDeleteAllison (Geek Banter)
I think if it's confusing to read, the writer hasn't done a good job!
DeleteI've never written anything in second person, and I can't remember if I've ever read anything in second person! Oh wait. Those choose-your-own-adventure or choose-your-own-ending type stories ... those are written in second person, aren't they? Hmm... I never really enjoyed those!
ReplyDeleteYes, they were - I had one about ants!
DeleteI'm so happy to find your post today! I've been on the lookout for a good short story collection, and your review couldn't have come at a better time. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteOh good - I feel helpful :-)
DeleteSecond person is not easy at all. I will definitely give that a look.
ReplyDeleteNot easy, but the stories where she's used it work so effortlessly.
DeleteI've tried, but successfully yet. It's a hard thing to make it sound good. But I'd like to try again one day when I feel brave. :)
ReplyDeleteFor me the story comes first, the POV is second (usually decided by my first sentence). With the right story, it won't feel brave just natural!
DeleteI've never heard of her but I always find 2nd person fascinating. I could never do it myself, but I admire those who can!
ReplyDeleteYes, it is a skill to do it well. It can be a very intense POV to read when done well though.
DeleteI wish my talent lay more in short story writing. I've just spent a month re-writing a novel, and once it's gone through my daughter's critical appraisal, it will need to be done again. 76,000 words. Sigh.
ReplyDeleteLol - yes, sometimes writing a short story can be a welcome change! Good luck with the re-writes.
DeleteI have written in second person - it's not easy and often isn't the best way to tell a story, but it can work well. I've sold just two stories written in second which is about 1% of my publications.
ReplyDeleteWhere can I read those stories, Patsy? Congratulations.
DeleteI have not heard of Ali Smith. Thanks for introducing her to us. I don't come across many books written in the second person. Very interesting.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Stephen :-)
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