It’s not all about you
Writing in the first person is tough. Often, you’re baring yourself and your thoughts and your feelings to the world. And it’s probably something you’re not used to doing, at least not on a regular basis. That said, writing in the first person can be cathartic, and it can educate and enlighten. Both you and your readers.
A problem arises when you focus on yourself. That sounds counterintuitive, doesn’t it? Writing in the first person’s supposed to be about you. True, but only to a point. Let’s face it: it’s easy for your first-person chronicles to seem a bit (or more than a bit) self indulgent, self centred, and even whiny.
Remember that first person writing isn’t all about you. It’s about the story you want to tell. It’s about the point that you want to make. It’s about the idea or ideas that you want to get across. You’re central to the story because you want to impart your experiences.
But you also need to know when to fade into the background and to let the story or the ideas or the central point of your argument take over.
How and when do you do that?
If you properly outline or plan a piece of writing, you’ll know when in your narrative at which you will want to make your key points. At those moments, focus on those points and less on yourself. Focus on the feelings and the ideas, but generalize them. Don’t be preachy, though.
Keep the Is and mes to a minimum.
When to make those points is a bit of a tougher call. It’s really up to you to decide. You should, regardless of your subject matter, give your readers enough background information and tell enough of the story so they:
- Can see (or, at least, deduce) where you’re leading them
- Get a feel for the point that you’re trying to make, based on the experiences and emotions that you describe up until that point
Remember that writing in the first person can give your piece a bit more authority and credibility. You’re literally writing what you know and what you feel. But knowing when to step back and let the lessons present themselves is just as important. It’ll take practice, but it will definitely be worth it.
