: Re: Mentioning quickly repeated events in first person? When writing in first person, is it better to mention as little repetition of events as possible? Or can it improve writing in some cases

@Karen856

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When writing in first person, it is better to mention as little repetition of events as possible unless you're trying to create a particular effect and you are a skilled and inventive writer.

It can improve writing in some cases to have a character duplicate previous events, but some kind of variation in approach to the event is required.

On a basic level: use synonyms for words within the repeated events and (knock/bang/hammer) to show (for example) changing tensions within the character.

On a more complicated level: repeated actions and events can be an opportunity for development of character and/or situation. Think Groundhog Day where, essentially, the same events are being repeated time and again, but the character is developing throughout.

These effects can be easily accomplished by a skilled and resourceful writer. If this is not the case - perhaps stick to a simple approach. Both examples in the question scan well, so this would suggest that the writer would be comfortable with either approach.

Summary: if you have the skill to do it, then do it.

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