The Word Cloud

My novel is written in the 1st person, so only her opinions, ideas, situations arise. Unfortunately, it is increasingly difficult, as the story develops, to create situations forcing the reader to bond and understand a man who is kinda in a parallel situation to hers.

I have an idea of either starting or ending each chapter with a small piece written in the 3rd person from his perspective. I thought of possibly increasing the margin size or even putting it in italics. I don't want to create confusion, however, this knowledge would definitely elevate the plot.

The parallel story runs continually in my head, but it is becoming increasing clear to me that the reader might like to know this as well.

I would appreciate any comments on this.

I think there are several issues here. The parallel story in your head doesn't always need to be told, because you must know more about the situation than your readers. But if it is bursting to be told, then a different style seems a good idea. I like books that mix POV styles, but for me, they must spring from the needs of the story, as yours evidently does, Green polka.

I'm told it's a big no no to head jump, BUT, if it's perfectly clear whose POV it is and if it adds to the readers enjoyment of the stor, I don't see anything too wrong in it. There are techniques like a separate chapter for each person. To say it is such a big no no, I've read plenty of books that have done this. You could always write it in third person and see how it turns out, that would give you more leeway. I haven't seen the POV change much in the first person I must admit, but they are always telling us to write something groundbreaking and different, maybe this is it. I would ask someone else to read it, to make completely sure they know whose POV it is

John's post crossed with mine, and I have to agree with what he says. My story is from one main protagonist, but with the occasional change of POV to move the story along. Someone who read it recently said that it would put an agent off, because I had changed POV. When asked if it was clear whose POV it was, he said yes. So??? Where's the problem. I'm not to write in more than one POV because a potential agent might not like it!

Well I have no clue about POV etiquette but in my MS it's predominantly 1st person, but I do switch every now and then. It's very clear when I switch and who it is switching to, and it works, but I dunno :) x

Hm, a quandary! I do intend for it to be clear, as I find changing narratives irritating, it changes the attitude and sense of the story, losing flow. However, my parallel story has only a small thread that links with my protagonist for most of the story, a small bit in the beginning and the major chunk, the main crux of it all, in the back end. I am concerned the end may feel out of place and therefore disappointing if there is no bond with this character. I thought I could create little glimpses, hinting at the intrigue and turmoil that actually causes most of the story. But I am nervous now! What to do what to do?

Thanks for the comments, food for thought.