4-Week: Who's Driving this Bus? — Narrative Distance and Authorial Voice

Much is discussed in craft about point of view, whether or not we choose to tell our story in first person, third person omniscient, or a close, intimate, limited third (or, if we're feeling frisky, second person). But we less frequently discuss that mystical narrative voice that isn't quite authorial voice, and isn't quite character voice, who is imparting their own judgements, opinions, voice, and agenda, and who is largely responsible for the shape of the story. By looking at a variety of texts, we'll attempt to decipher who is telling a story, from where, to whom, and to what end. In our examination of narrative shaping and authorial control, we'll see how we can employ a more strategic understanding of narrative voice to shift, shape, and fuel our own work. A variety of reading (supplied) will be required, as will sharing about five pages that will be discussed in class.