On Writing: From a Certain Point of View

This is another in a series of short articles, written for students in my Writing Workshop, on various facets of craft. Eventually, I'll put them all together in an e-textbook. I'll certainly keep in mind any suggestions or ideas you might have as I revise.

In writing, there are five basic point of views to work with:

—First person (I did so-and-so.)

—Second person (You did so-and-so)

—Third-person limited (He thought about fish as he did so-and-so for the gathered crowd.)

—Third-person panoramic (He did so-and-so for the gathered crowd, and the gathered crowd murmured)

—Third-person omniscient (He thought about fish as he did so and so for the gathered crowd. The gathered crowd murmured and assumed he was crazy)

The Blues: Vote Free or Die

My lovely wife, mostly lovely son, and I went to a local brew pub recently (Milly's Tavern in Manchester) to check out a poetry slam held in honor of the pre-NH Primary Republican events. A good time was had by all, even if MTV News missed the point of the gathering. I taped you a couple of excerpts.