When you are writing in a character’s point of view, can you describe that character’s face or part of themselves that they can’t see?
For example, in a scene written in Ian’s point of view, can the following be written?
Ian blushed and his freckles turned orange.
My thoughts . . . Ian might know he’s blushing from the physical sensation, but how could he know his freckles turned orange?
So if you agree that this isn’t the right way to convey the image, then what?
Perhaps I could:
– Have another a character make fun of the orange freckles.
– Have another character say, “I know you’re lying. You’re freckles are turning orange.”
Do you have any ideas how to get around this?
Thanks for reading . . .
Creative Story Editors 
“I can tell you’re lying.”
“Really.”
“Yeah, really. Your freckles are doing that thing where they turn orange when you lie.”
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Oh, this is good. Thanks for the idea.
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If your character is introspective he could think to himself ” I felt myself flush, this is not good because …….” I imagine to much introspection could be viewed as a neurotic type behavior but that could fun also. 😉
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Ian is introspective and could see his freckles turning orange as a weakness. I think I’ll try this too. Thanks for the suggestion.
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If I need to do something like this, I usually have another character point it out or have then glance at something and see their reflection. In a window, a car, a mirror, even a puddle when they stare at their feet.
Good luck with it!
~Amy
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Thanks Amy. The characters are in a restaurant. Maybe I could use something unique like a reflection in a spoon?
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That’s an idea or if it’s a posh one with those silver covers over the meals he could see a reflection in that.
Good luck!
~Amy
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I think Ian knows himself well. Could be he … knows from long experience that his freckles are turning orange and that will be a sure give away.
Good luck and thanks for the thought-provoking and no-right-answer question. e
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Now I have lots to play with. It’s amazing how entertaining writing can be. I’m going to try all three suggestions and see what sounds the best. Thanks.
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Lots of great ideas here already!
Depending on his personality, he might be someone who covers his face when his freckles turn orange, or turns away to hide the embarrassing orange freckles.
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Kirsten, these are good options too. I think I have some work to do to try the different options suggested. Who knows, maybe I’ll come up with something good:-)
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An overt omniscient narrator could easily write the above keyphrase consistently.
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Thank you for the comment. It’s a new way to look at the same issue.
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