Why I Choose to Write in First Person: Pros and Cons

Why I Choose to Write in First Person: Pros and Cons

When it comes to writing, there are many choices to be made. The style, the tone, the tense and even the person you choose to write in can heavily impact the final piece. Writing in first person is a style that has both its advantages and disadvantages. In this article, we explore why one might choose to write in first person as well as the pros and cons of doing so.

What does it mean to write in first person?

First person writing refers to using personal pronouns like “I”, “me” or “we” in your writing. It is a type of narrative that is more commonly used in personal writing such as journals or memoirs. However, some writers choose to use first person even in more formal or professional writing.

The Pros of Writing in First Person

1. It creates a more personal connection with the reader

Using first person writing can help the reader feel closer to the writer. It adds a sense of intimacy and vulnerability to the writing which can create a powerful connection. It’s easier to empathize with a writer’s experiences if they are written in first person.

2. It can enhance the writing’s authenticity

Writing in first person can make the storytelling feel more credible and genuine. It helps the reader feel as if they are hearing the story straight from the source. This can lead to a more trustworthy and convincing piece.

3. It allows for unique perspectives

Writing in first person allows the writer to offer their own unique perspective. This can be particularly useful in situations where the writer has a personal stake in the subject matter. It can make the writing more powerful and memorable.

The Cons of Writing in First Person

1. It can come across as self-centered

Writing in first person can be seen as narcissistic or self-centered. It can be difficult to strike a balance between sharing personal experiences and not making the piece all about the writer. Overusing personal pronouns can also distract from the content itself.

2. It can limit the scope of information

Limiting a piece to only first person perspectives can be limiting in terms of the scope of information. Writing in first person can restrict the writer to only sharing their own experiences, which can be a disadvantage if they want to cover a wider topic. The piece can come across as narrow if it only refers to a single person’s experiences.

3. It can be less objective

When writing in first person, it can be difficult to remain completely objective. As the writer, you are inherently biased towards your own experiences and may have difficulty presenting information in a neutral manner. This can be a disadvantage, particularly in cases where objectivity is important.

Conclusion

Writing in first person is a matter of personal preference. There are pros and cons to using this style, and it ultimately depends on the message being conveyed and the audience. While it can be a powerful tool for creating a connection with the reader and adding authenticity to your writing, it can also limit the scope of information and come across as self-centered. By choosing to write in first person or not, writers should be aware of these advantages and disadvantages and decide what is appropriate for their piece.