frogs_of_war

I had read in a book about writing (I can't remember which, only that the writer was male) that people don't remember whether a story is first or third person once they finish reading it and he gave an example. Many time I can't either, so after I read that I thought of first and third as having the same weight, but a few days ago I followed a link to Wired for Story, a site about a book on how humans' brains are wired and how a writer can give the most punch (I think, I'm the fifth hold on the library's copy). I spent the evening reading the posts, one of which told of a study where college students read one of two versions of a story (first and third person) and then had their brains scanned as they talked about the story. The people who had read the first person (but not third) story's brain lit up as if they had actually experienced the things in the story.

I was fascinated by this and wondered if I could make The Gift better by changing the person. I did and I like it so much better. A few more words gave three people greater personalities. Maybe I just write better in first person. You can judge for yourself:

The Gift 2.0 (Working title His Wolfman)

Title: The Gift 3.0 (Working title My Wolfman)
Status: Complete
Genre: supernatural, family
Rating: PG
Length: 2.4k
Summary: Balendin knows his family needs food and the only ones that can save them want a gift in return. He will be that gift.


Uncle Jorkin stops pacing in front of where I huddle with my cousins under blankets. “Let’s give Balendin.”

( We will keep you in our thoughts and prayer )