Finding POV Mistakes: First Person POV vs Third Person POV

Struggling with first person POV versus third person POV? Wondering what makes a good writer great or how to improve story writing skills? In this advice-packed episode of 52-Week Story Savvy, editor Rebecca Hartwell [hartboundediting.com] teams up with aspiring author Agnes Wolfe [authorsalcove.com] to help you master your narrative voice.
Together, they explore the pros and cons of different POVs, tenses, and storytelling perspectives—sharing real examples. You’ll learn how your POV choice shapes your reader’s emotional connection, how to avoid common pitfalls like head-hopping, and when it’s okay to break the rules (and how to fix things if you already have).
Rebecca doesn’t just tell you what works—she explains why, so you can make confident, intentional choices that suit your story and genre. Whether you're writing a sprawling epic or a single-POV middle grade, you’ll walk away from this episode feeling more empowered, more prepared, and more excited to edit.
In This Episode:
What tense and person choice really say about your story
Deep POV vs distant narration: how close is too close?
When to add a secondary POV—and when not to
Practical self-editing tips for spotting consistency issues
The head-hopping trap (and how to avoid it!)
Why choosing the right narrator for each scene can transform your book
Recommended Resources:
Developmental Editing Services (Expert Feedback) – [https://hartboundediting.com]
Authors’ Alcove Membership Site – [http://authorsalcove.com]
Book Giveaway – [http://authorsalcove.org]
Story Grid – https://storygrid.com
Save the Cat – https://savethecat.com
How to Write a Sizzling Synopsis by Brian Cohen