POV is simply the perspective from which your story is being conveyed to the reader. Loosely translated, it means … who is telling your story. Whose head are you in during this particular moment, in this particular scene?

At first glance, it seems like such a simple thing to understand. Yet mastering POV can be harder than herding three-legged cats. The reason for this can partly be blamed on the many variations and subcategories of the different POVs. Add to that fact that the rules are not carved in stone and it's understandable why beginning writers are easily confused.

Most published writers who have mastered point of view have at one time or another chosen to bend the rules to accomplish a certain element in their stories. The trick is to know the rules and to be able to bend them without jarring the reader.

There are many different types of POVs. An experienced writer may be able to blend varying POVs into her story. But generally, new writers should stick to the guidelines of one type.

• First-person point of view: I saw the pain in Jake's eyes.

• Second-person point of view: You saw the pain in Jake's eyes. (While often used in nonfiction, this POV is seldom used in fiction.)

• Third-person point of view: She saw the pain in Jake's eyes.

• Omniscient point of view (also commonly referred to as author's POV): No one could see it. Jake didn't even know it was there, but pain reflected in his eyes.