Dear Editor… I recently read in a self-editing book (fiction for adults) that when writing in 3rd person, the main character’s thoughts can also be written in 3rd person. Is this true for mg/ya or does it depend on the story? Sincerely, Sue
Dear Sue…
Sure, you can write thoughts in third person for a third person teen/tween narrative. It would look like this: “He leaned in but she turned away. No way would she kiss him. She’d rather eat a worm.” But you can also pop out of third person to first, if you’re so inclined, using italics to signal the shift to kids: “He leaned in but she turned away. In your dreams. I’d rather eat a worm than kiss that snout.” Some find that a more dynamic mix. It depends on you and on your story. Gotta love choice.
Happy writing!
The Editor