Writing Lesson 1

I've written some examples of point of view (POV) so you can learn by example and become a better writer. Then you'll be fit to have a conversation with me. This lesson examines the use of the first, second, and third person POV.  Each one uses present tense.

3rd person

Stephen pulls the left-hand knob of his medicine cabinet. It's an ornate accessory and is gold-plated. He feels no expense should be spared when it comes to accessorizing his home. His bathmat is made from 10 Mink furs. The Mink were fed a diet of milk, fish, small mammals, and rare, exotic birds captured in the Amazon rain forest. After the Mink became good and fat – they were slaughtered and turned into a silky, soft bathmat. Stephen could not justify the expense of the bathmat he really wanted and is embarrassed to admit this one is a step down for him.

He has a terrible headache. A business deal has gone awry and caused him much consternation. Fortunately, Tylenol has always worked well for him. He turns the bottle end-over-end and two pills tumble out.

2^nd person

You pull the left-hand knob of your medicine cabinet. It's a crap accessory you bought at the discount hardware store. You're cheap as fuck when it comes to furnishing your home. You've got a good job that pays you well, but you spend all your extra money on stupid shit.  Hobos and the homeless wouldn't waste their time or the effort necessary to light every last bit of your shit on fire. You have no taste or class.

You have a sexually transmitted disease. You're reaching for the medication your doctor prescribed. He says it will clear up the embarrassing problem you have. You turn the bottle end-over-end and no pills tumble out because you've used up your prescription. Your embarrassment continues.

1^st person

I open my medicine cabinet by grasping the edge of the mirrored panel and pulling hard - because the hinge is stuck. I pawned the expensive door knobs for the intrinsic value of the gold. They helped pay the mortgage this month. I had a good job that payed well, but I spent all the extra money on obscure financial derivatives. I was unfairly persecuted and fired from that job because my ex-boss is an insecure, cock boy who is a borderline sociopath. He treats objects like women.

I have a terrible headache. Since I can't afford Tylenol I take two sugar cubes. I've read that placebos are often as effective as the real thing.