Writing fiction is a multifaceted process. The author must create characters, design commanding settings, capture an absorbing style, write compelling dialogue, and decide on the most effective point-of-view (POV).

Understanding Point-Of-View
In romance, the point-of-view usually comes from two major characters, the hero and heroine. The story is theirs and the reader cares about them. The focus of a romance is on the developing relationship between two people who have been brought together, but who have major conflicts that keep them apart. The emotions, feelings, and inner voice of these two characters offer the reader a deeper look into their conflicts, motivation, and goals. Focusing on these aspects of the hero's and heroine's character creates vivid, real life individuals who make you laugh, cry, and cheer.

Who has most to lose?
Once two characters POVs are selected, the writer must ask throughout the plotting, who has the most to lose in each scene. When the character is selected, then the scene is viewed through that person's eyes. What the character cannot see the reader cannot see. What the POV character thinks and feels is made known to the reader. The other characters attitudes and feelings can only be speculated.

POV Problems
Point-of-view problems are the major cause of stress for beginning writers. The author must put himself inside the head of the POV character so that he can write with realism. Read the paragraph below and ask yourself what's wrong with this paragraph.

Jill's pulse galloped when Brandon stepped through the doorway – muscular, assured, and handsome. His gaze trailed down the length of her wind-blown, golden-blond hair, then glided along her ivory skin, and rested on her full, coral lips. She winced as a red flush crept up her neck and covered her face.

Obviously, this paragraph has a point-of-view problem. Jill can only describe what she sees. Brandon sees her wind-blown hair and the red flush. And when you look in a mirror, how often do you describe your own golden-blond hair or full, coral lips? The description is most effective through Brandon's eyes.

Brandon came through the doorway into the sunlight and faltered. Jill. The wind ruffled her golden, sun-speckled hair. His gaze glided over her delicate, ivory skin to her full, coral- hued lips. He warmed, watching a rosy flush creep up her hairline and spread along her cheeks.

Not only, can the reader visual Jill, but Brandon's characterization is enhanced because the reader can sense his attraction to Jill.

Jill's Point of View
So how could the same paragraph be viewed through Jill's POV?

Jill's pulse galloped when Brandon stepped through the doorway – muscular, assured, and handsome. His gaze drifted along her frame, and the fiery heat of embarrassment crept up her neck. She longed to counter with her own admiration of his bold, manly appearance.

Notice that only what Jill feels and thinks is shown.

Using POV for Character Insight
Having the POV character look into a mirror for a description is weak writing, unless it is used to give insight into characterization.

Looking into the store window, Janet caught Bill's reflection. He headed for her, and she grimaced. Why today? She gaped at her straight, mousy-brown hair, wishing she'd gone for the dye-job and perm yesterday, instead of tomorrow.

Emotional reactions belong to the POV character, but physical description is most effective from another character. To make your writing believable, only describe what can be seen and felt through the POV character's eyes.