For me, writing in deep point of view isn't part of my writing style, as she suggested. In my opinion the concept of deep pov is mechanics, and can be a learned writing technique, like learning where and when to use a comma. Deep point of view makes a story active and eliminates much of the dreaded "show don't tell" comments I would receive when I'd submit to first chapter for critique at a conference.
I finally understood this concept after reading a writing craft novel by Jill Elizabeth Nelson titled Rivet Your Readers With Deep POV. This concept is often explained by guest agents and editors at conferences and on many professional blogs, but Jill's book broke it down for me.
I advise every writer I met to read this book, yet I'm surprised how many writers don't bother. Maybe writers in general are a stubborn breed. After all, writers have to be thick skinned to handle the dreaded rejection letter. But, having thick skin is different than having a thick skull.
In the introduction of Rivet Your Readers with Deep POV, Jill asks the reader:
"Have you ever read a book that melded your mind with the main character's psyche? No vague sensation of an invisible narrator inserted itself between you and the point-of-view character. Line by line, scene by scene, you lived in that central character's head. Even if the story was not written in first person, the hero or heroine's every experience became yours, and your reading pleasure intensified."
Yes! Yes! Yes! These are the books I love to read, and if, after the first few pages, I don't feel this way, I set down the book and pick up another to read.
If these are the books I want to read, how could I not want to write in this way? Isn't that my goal as a writer? To make my readers bond with the characters I create?
The answer to my question is Yes! Yes! Yes!
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