Mastering Point of View

by Sherri Szeman

Book by Szeman, Sherri

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction, Reference

Paperback

First published November 30, 2001

About the author

Pseudonym originally used by Alexandria Constantinova Szeman.

Reviews

[Chris Bauer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I made a point to really study this book; POV lapses are a common challenge in my writing, so I figured some heads down research might help.

The book was very educational but drier than the Sahara desert. The book includes a very interesting history of the novel and the evolution of different genre fiction styles, which I found fascinating.

And if I had a dollar for every paragraph which started with the phrase "For example, in my first novel..." I could pay off the mortgage on my house by now.

[Jocelyn Paige Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best book on the mechanics of point of view with examples of each.

[Stowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could give this book six stars I would. I've been writing for almost two years and am at the point where I am ready to understand the material covered in this book. Right time - right book. Wow!

[Shane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Apart from the fact that this is one of countless how-to books in which the obscure author draws on ample examples from their own, formerly unknown novels while using very few other contemporary sources, thus aligning their work with assorted deathless classics, this is a clear, comprehensive and sophisticated treatment of its topic. Despite her sterile style and the unwieldy first name she’s assumed, Szeman has more to offer than most post-grad creative writing tutors.

[JillJYA]

Not a writer myself but very curious about how Szeman handles anything related to playing with literary formats, which I think is a strength of hers.

[Quinn · Rating 2 out of 5]

this book is really good if you know absolutely nothing about writing and want to know what exists in the world of writing.
there were a few good things but i mostly skimmed it.