Anecdote, Reminiscence and other Side Effects

Selecting first-person narrative is high-risk. Will you, the writer, create a first-person story that is anecdotal, reminiscent, exposition-heavy, didactic or …? Odds are: yes. Check out this example:

• Narrative gives off this tone: “This is important because I remember it.” 
• Readers think: “Stop talking already. I’m trying to hear the story.” 

Is this your story? If so, try shifting the narrative power to stealth mode. It more easily transports the reader without speed bumps, without authorial intrusion. Does “first-person” always fail? Of course not. Just be objective about how your choice in relating your story either complicates or enhances the reading.