Why Stories Need One Protagonist (and Why Supporting Characters Should Stay Supporting)

One of the most common structural mistakes new writers make is confusing importance with point of view. Just because a character plays a significant role in the story does not mean they should carry POV. In fact, giving POV to too many characters—especially in books for younger readers—often weakens the story instead of strengthening it. At the heart of this issue is a misunderstanding of what a protagonist actually is. What a Protagonist Does A … Read more

Stop Filtering Your POV: Trust the Scene to Speak for Itself

Once a point of view is established, you don’t need to keep reminding the reader who is seeing, noticing, or realizing things. Yet many writers do exactly that—over and over—by inserting the viewpoint character between the reader and the scene. This is called POV filtering, and while it’s a common habit, it weakens immersion, slows pacing, and creates unnecessary distance between the reader and the story. Let’s fix it. What POV Filtering Looks Like POV … Read more

Understanding Point of View: How to Avoid the Head Hopping Trap

As authors, we’re tasked with being the architects of entire worlds. We build settings, create characters, and weave narratives that transport readers to places they’ve never been. One of the most powerful tools in our storytelling arsenal is point of view (POV)—the lens through which readers experience our story. When used effectively, POV creates intimacy, builds tension, and establishes a clear connection between reader and character. When handled poorly, it can leave readers confused and … Read more

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