Ask Jerry
POV and relating the author’s views
Asked by Christina Belargent on November 28, 2023
I recently read that in order to write a transformational fiction story, the author’s views should be made clear by the word choices the author makes. – for example.
“The words with which a child's heart is poisoned, whether through malice or through ignorance, remain branded in his memory, and sooner or later they burn his soul.” (Carlos Ruiz Zafón, “The Shadow of the Wind”)
1. Do you agree it is important to relate your views as author (through word choice)?
2. How would one accomplish this, while maintaining POV?
Jerry's Answer
Christina, I would maintain that to write any kind of a story, word choice is paramount. How else would my theme come through?
I would, however, be very careful to have my views implied by what happens in the story and what becomes of my main character. I would not want to personally intrude upon the story but rather let it do its own work. My worldview, as a person of faith, is hope. That will come through in all my stories without my having to overtly say so.