When writing a scene, story, chapter, or while writing a journal, you (the writer) need to make a choice as to what type of window your reader will experience the words you have written. This is academically categorized as point of view. There are several types:

First Person Singular: This type of writing uses, "I".

First Person Plural: This type of writing uses, "We".

Second Person: This type of writing uses, "You".

3rd Person Limited: This type of writing uses, "He, She, It", with one narrator used.

3rd Person Multiple: Also using, "He, She, It", but having multiple narrators (or characters). This type of writing uses chapter and scene breaks to allow the reader to know a change is occurring.

3rd Person Omniscient: Using, "He, She, It", and the narrator knows everything.

Objective Narrator: The detached observer, who does not know the thoughts or feelings of other characters.

Now you have a better understanding of the different points of view you may use in your writing.

Perspective, is how your character experiences, feels, thinks, and processes the events surrounding them. Experiences in the story are universal, perspective is unique to each character. Use this to develop your characters and conflict.

Looking for Further:
Definition
Different Types of Point of View
Point of View in Writing
Points of View in Fiction
Basics of Point of View for Fiction Writers
Two Heads Aren't Always Better Than One
Types of Point of View
What's The Difference Between Perspective and Point of View?

While adjectives modify nouns, adverbs modify verbs.

A quick online search will list a few hundred sites that define 'adverb'. As you read through a few definitions you will find a common theme. "-ly".

Structure: Noun + Verb + Adverb

Example: Jon ran quickly.

While reading the numerous articles online you will find two primary groups: (1) Use Adverbs, and (2) Don't Use Adverbs. Though there is a third group: Use Adverbs When Needed. If you take the time to read the articles I have listed below you will find this to be true.

The third group exists because adverbs are used naturally in conversation with the realization that too many adverbs causes the writer to tell the story rather than show the story.

When you write your story remember these things: a story will make the reader forget the real world, and the reader is deciding whether to turn the page.

As an author the focus is to write in a manner that is pleasing to your audience. Concise and meaningful sentences in your story are powerful. Lesson: Don't be a lazy writer. Find the appropriate words to express your idea.

From what I read online, here are some of the 'warnings' about using adverbs:

1. Don't use adverbs in dialogue tags.
2. Don't use empty or redundant modifiers.

Remember the lesson above? Don't be a lazy writer. Have purpose.

Instead of saying: Jon ran quickly towards the bus.
Say: Jon chased the bus.

Simple. Concise. Powerful.

Want to Read More?

• Definition
• Creating Lean but Descriptive Prose
• Descriptive Verbs: 7 Tips for Avoiding Weak Adverbs
• Flat Adverbs are Flat-Out Useful
• Fundamentals of Fiction: Avoid Those Beginners' Blunders
• How to Make Adverbs Work for You
• Subverting Adverbs and Cliches
• The "Avoid Adverbs" Rule is (Very) Wrong
• What About Adverbs
• Why No Adverbs
• Writing Basics: How to Use Adverbs
• Writing Rules and Fantasy: Adverbs
• Writing Tips: Abolish the Adverbs

If you have been following along with the posts, I have been using a table of contents and a guide for the blog posts recently. (If you aren't familiar you can see that here.)

Following the Course Structure, introspection or inner dialogue is the next topic to explore. Introspection, simply stated, is what your character thinks about.

Your character can reveal a lot about their personality, intelligence, background, and dreams...by merely thinking about it. Granted, action is far more powerful, but sometimes it is necessary to set the scene by having your character think about the conflict and situation that they must confront.

Character's have feelings and thoughts which can be shown to your reader. This can be a powerful tool to develop your character more thoroughly. People often say one thing, think another, and do something completely different. Your character can too!

How do you write this? (Technically, with thought tags and italicized words.)

Pick your character. Have that character naturally express thoughts that contribute to the story. Simple. 

Give it a try. See how your character's thoughts and feelings contribute to your story and develop your character further.

Want to Learn More?

• Inner Dialogue--Writing Character Thoughts
• 5 Ways to Write Character Thoughts Worth More Than a Penny
• How to Write Your Character’s Thoughts
• How to Enhance Your Character’s POV
• 5 Reasons Internal Dialogue is Essential in Fiction (And How to Use It in Your Story)

A good story is not based on a formula. Yet there a certain things that are common in all stories. Stories are driven by the character or by events that are beyond the character's control.

The arrangement of and relations between the parts or elements of something complex.

Plot 

A literary term used to describe the events that make up a story or the main part of a story.

Imagine that your hero is walking backward on trail. Your hero is unable to look backward. Your hero is able to see where they have been, and remember the events that led them to this point. Your hero might hear something or feel something that guides them on the steps that they take...

The analogy above hints at how characters know their past and have no idea what the future may entail.

A writer, on the other hand, knows it all.

I have written about backstory and flashbacks. Both are story elements that point the reader to events and characters from the past. (Duh.) If you want to point the reader to the future--you can do a couple of things--outright tell them or be subtle.

These options have been named: Telegraphing (that's the telling) and foreshadowing (that's being subtle).

Foreshadowing is used in a story by 'planting' hints, letting those hints grow, and then 'showing' those hints off (or not). It can be challenging to accomplish this without becoming predictable or succumbing to cliche.

This can be accomplished by:

1. Pre-Scene: A smaller scene before the primary scene (flash-forward).
2. Narrator Statement/Opinion: Not subtle, you tell the reader (telegraphing).
3. Apprehension: The character fears something...and your reader will too.
4. Showing the Reader a 'loaded gun' (Chekov's Gun): you don't show a loaded gun without having a reason.
5. Prophecy (Dreams)
6. Symbolic Omens

www.nownovel.com