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Mark Starlin's avatar

Thought-provoking. When writing in first-person, it is hard to avoid using I. It doesn't bother me as it is appropriate and perfectly natural if you are writing about yourself. Using literary gymnastics to avoid using I seems unnecessary to me. But if using I frequently bothers you, and is necessary for your own well-being, then you should do what you have to do. You do you.

I also find lengthy detailed descriptions boring most of the time. For me, the characters and the story are the draw, and more important than any commonly-accepted grammar "rules" or formulas. If you need to use I, use I. I don't care. I really don't. I won't be offended. I am fine with I. I like I. I am an I. I am rambling. I will stop. 😉

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Cole Feldman's avatar

Hahaha I'm really enjoying the irony of these comments because they use "I" to talk about using "I". I agree with you, Mark, about how lengthy detailed descriptions are more boring than characters. I guess part of the reason why I wrote this piece is because I think there might be something deeper. If I'm always writing about myself, what does that say about my thoughts and my worldview? Does it mean I'm selfish? On just the level of writing technicality, I agree that it's fine to use "I" when it's appropriate.

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Mark Starlin's avatar

I (A person who is me) feel like "Isn't It Ironic" by Alanis Morrisette should be playing in the background. Although most of the things she sang about weren't ironic, just unfortunate. Anyway, I am glad you realized I wasn't (totally) serious. 😉

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Lyle McKeany's avatar

I'm wondering if I partially inspired this piece by my use of the 2nd person in some of my writing. I certainly notice when I overuse the word 'I' like I am in this sentence. I especially notice it when I start two sentences in a row with 'I' like I just did too.

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Cole Feldman's avatar

How'd you know? 😏 I definitely thought about our conversation about using "you" several times as I was writing this. I totally resonate with noticing when I start two sentences in a row with "I". Just did it there!

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Tom White's avatar

Your use of I is a fit for me. :)

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Cole Feldman's avatar

Thanks Tom 😊

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