In Writing Fiction: A Guide to Narrative Craft, Janet Burroway describes point of view (POV) as “the most complex element of fiction.” She’s right. Choosing and managing POV requires constant attention to the delicate relationship between reader, author, and character. And maintaining consistency can challenge even seasoned writers.

Writers often speak in metaphors, especially when discussing our craft. We sculpt stories like clay, carve them like wood, and paint pictures with prose. We talk about composing musical dialogue. The phrase “honing your craft” is so common in writing workshops—and other creative fields—that most people forget “hone” originally referred to a whetstone, a literal […]