Sandra Madden, Author

Writing in the First Person

When I started writing THE PARADISE KEY CAPER I had never written a novel in the first person. There was also no contract to write this particular book. So, was I writing on a whim or a challenge? Both.

While I had written and published over fourteen novels, I cannot lie. I wrote this cozy mystery in a state of high anxiety. Still, it was time to challenge myself. Every now and then most writers feel the need to stretch a bit.

Most novels are written in the third person, allowing the reader to know what’s on the mind of just about every character. Writing in the first person is a tad more difficult. Everything that happens in a first-person novel is seen – and known – from only one person’s viewpoint, the character telling the story. The narrator. The challenge comes in conveying the emotions, expressions, and thoughts of the supporting cast of characters from one point of view. The settings and scene descriptions can be equally as challenging. Perhaps more so.

Because THE PARADISE KEY CAPER was my experiment, a book without a deadline, I took my time. As a result, the mystery, romantic and humorous tale seemed a long time in the creating. There were many stops and starts, me stumbling in the dark. But at last came the words every writer happy dances to: “The End.”

I’ve learned beyond a doubt that challenge is good.

And I am proud (and relieved) to say my first-person novel found a home with a recognized and well-respected publisher. My angst rewarded. THE PARADISE KEY CAPER is alive and well and will be available for a very long time. The amazing cover is by Sarah at Opium House Creatives.

And that’s how I learned to love writing in the first person!