How to write what the person is thinking in a novel?

Question

When you are writing a story in first person, how do you write what the person is thinking/saying to themselves? Can't it be just written there without changing it? Because it is what the main (first person) character is think.

Please and thank you!!

Answer 1

Yes, I would say in general adding personal commentary is both acceptable and beneficial in a story. No need to add quotations or set up every thought with "I think" "I believe" simply make sure it flows in with the rest of the story.

Ex: I saw her walking down the street. She can honestly be so full of herself that my blood boils simply looking at her.

This can help really add personality to your character and make them seem more realistic.

Answer 2

well i've seen two ways of it being done
i've seen the person's thoughts in italics, i see this A LOT more often because a person's thoughts are important and should stand out
i've seen it just in normal fonts and all that, but it said "i thought." somewhere in there
i've also seen both of these both of these techniques combined in the same book, but i don't reccomend that at all
i personally like to make the thoughts stand out a little more, i put it in italics and put it in a different font, but that's just me

Answer 3

fpr example:
"he is cute!" i thought, but i didnt say anyhting b/c it was too embarssing
something like that i have written 12 books in 1st person myself