Which POV Is Your Favorite?

My Opinion On POV Types 

First Person: Though I don’t mind writing in first person, it’s not my favorite. I hate saying “I” all the time, and I don’t like to connect with my characters on that level. It feels too personal.

Second Person: I despise second person and I won’t write a book in this POV. Directions or written instructions, though? Sure thing. I like helping. (FYI, never ask me for directions or be your guide. I have no sense of direction.)

Why I hate it? I don’t like being told what to do in books or like telling people what to do. I feel like a pushy dominatrix when I write in second person. It’s uncomfortable for me. Sure, I’d look cute in the heels and dress, and it sounds kinky, but it’s not happening. I hate playing the dominant role, and writing second person sticks me there. And don’t imagine me as a dominatrix. Trust me, I would giggle through it, and ruin the fun.

I’m guessing publishers aren’t fond of second person, either. I was told by a few editors not to refer to the reader as “you” or ask too many questions in narration.

Third Person (limited): This is my favorite and what POV most of my books are written in. Why I love third person? It’s perfect. It has that distance I need and is the most comfortable for me to write. I’m not becoming a character or am limited to talking in their vernacular in narration.

Third Person Omniscient: I used to do this and WISHED someone told me it wasn’t well-liked. Head-hopping, like in omni POV, isn’t allowed by many of publishers. If I could go back and talk to younger H.N. when she started writing, I’d tell her NOT to do this. It screwed me up for years and is still a habit I slip into without realizing it.

I didn’t know I shouldn’t do this until I signed my first series, CK, and the editor told me I needed to rewrite it in third person limited POV. It was impossible without rewriting the entire book, and I was a cocky little brat in the beginning (I wish I could change her too), so they let it slide and nailed me on the next few books I signed with them.

A fault with newbie authors? They think everything they do is right. I grew out of that stage and am way more flexible now when working with editors and publishers. Though, I can still pitch a fit if they want to change too much of my storyline. But we all have limits in that realm.

What’s your favorite POV to write/read? Leave your thoughts in the comments.