Harnessing the Power of POV in Storytelling with Keisha Bush

Meeting Details:
Friday–Sunday, 7/19–7/21
6–8pm ET (Friday), 11am–1pm ET (Saturday & Sunday)
Held Online via Zoom

In this course, we will explore the different points of view (POV) and why a writer would choose one over the other. We’ll examine the differences between first, second, and third person, what an omniscient POV is, and its pros and cons. We’ll also deep-dive into first-person distant and first-person close, third-person distant and third-person close, and learn the power each wields. Finally, we’ll explore whether or not there is a secret sauce to second-person storytelling.

Understanding the strengths and weaknesses within each POV will expand your toolbox of literary techniques and offer greater freedom to take risks you didn’t think possible within your writing. Be prepared to write, rewrite, and experiment in this class.

Course Outline

• Session I
  • 20 min: Introductions
  • 20 min: Lecture
  • 25 min: Reading of POV examples: 1st close / 1st distant / 2nd person
  • 10 min: Break
  • 20 min: In-class writing prompt
  • 25 min: Discussion
• Overnight Reading Assignment
  • First-person (distant) short story
  • First-person (close) short story
• Session II
  • 40 min: Discussion of the overnight reading assignment
  • 25 min: Reading of POV examples: third-person close, third-person distant, third-person omniscient
  • 10 min: Break
  • 20 min: In-class writing prompt #2
  • 20 min: Breakout groups
  • 5 min: Wrap-up
• Overnight Reading Assignment
  • Third-person (distant) short story
  • Third-person (close) short story
• Session III
  • 40 min: Discussion of the overnight reading assignment
  • 20 min: In-class writing prompt
  • 10 min: Break
  • 20 min: Breakout groups
  • 30 min: Group reading and close