Can We Use First Person While Writing an Article?

When it comes to writing, the choice between using the first person and the third person is a common dilemma. Both voices have their merits and challenges. Personally, I find first person narration to be more engaging and allows for a deeper, more rhythmic writing experience. However, it can also be more challenging to master as compared to a third person omniscient narrator.

Engaging with the Reader

Using the first person perspective, the narrator speaks personally to the reader, fostering a sense of intimacy and immediacy. Hostie: All at Sea in the Ionian exemplifies this technique, allowing the reader to follow the thoughts and experiences of Rachel, a central character in the story. By adopting Rachel’s voice, the reader gains direct access to her emotions and observations, making the narrative more relatable and immersive.

An excerpt from the novel:

“I did as I was told and then something completely and utterly magical happened. As I turned the wheel, the sails gave a last truculent shake and then they filled with the wind. Now they were two graceful white arcs like a pair of swan’s wings. How could anything change so fast?”

Brizo heeled over to the left and the wheel trembled in my hands. It was like being in some fairy tale. From fighting the boat as I tried to keep her head to wind, now she was alive – the wind had breathed life into her.

What was even stranger was that I felt a part of the experience. I was no longer driving the boat with the engine pushing her along like a car on water. Without the engine, I was guiding her – it was like working with a living creature.

Rachel, the first-person narrator, makes the reader feel like they are part of the experience, not just observers. This technique relies on the narrative's ability to convey the intensity of the events without becoming tedious or overly detailed. It draws the reader in and makes them feel as though they are riding the waves with her.

The Power of an Ancient Technique

The use of first-person narration is an ancient technique, dating back thousands of years. Think of the storytellers around cave fires, reliving the day’s hunting experiences for their audience. This technique conveys the raw, personal nature of the experience, making it more memorable and engaging for the listeners (or in this case, the readers).

Conveying Detail Without Being Tedious

The challenge in first-person narration lies in conveying the details of the experience without overwhelming the reader. Take, for example, Rachel's introduction to her romance with Luke:

“I stood at the counter sorting out the bill with Andreas and Luke alongside me.

‘Fancy a walk round the harbour? It’s very beautiful.’

He was right. The storm had left as quickly as it had arrived, and now the sky was washed spotlessly clean and there was an immense scattering of silver stardust stretching across in a huge arc.

I was still a bit chilled, and Luke saw me shiver.

‘Here take my jacket. I’m warm.’

He put it gently round my shoulders and I could smell him on it.”

By using first-person narrative, Rachel doesn’t need to explain every minute detail of sorting the bill. The reader can use their imagination to fill in the gaps. This technique not only enriches the narrative but also strengthens the connection between the reader and the character.

Personal and Professional Writing

While the creative process can be deeply fulfilling, it is also important to remember that there is a business side to being a writer. Balancing personal experiences with the practicalities of sending books to the post office underlines the multifaceted nature of a writer's life. Despite the challenges, the joy of storytelling and the connection it fosters with readers is a rewarding experience.

Reflecting on the joys and challenges of writing in first person, it is clear that while it demands more from the author, it offers a unique and captivating way to connect with readers. The ability to create a sense of immediacy and intimacy can transform a simple narrative into a deeply moving and engaging experience.