What challenges do writers face when using an omniscient narrator?

Writers using an omniscient narrator face the challenge of avoiding information overload, maintaining a consistent voice while switching perspectives, and preserving suspense without revealing too much. They must also ensure their own voice does not intrude, disrupting the story's flow and diminishing reader immersion.

The beauty of omniscience is getting to reveal what you want to, when you want to. It can, of course, be a challenge to decide what readers need to know and when, but when the narrative progress is not dependent on an individual character’s knowledge you also get the freedom to develop the plot how you see fit. I find close 3rd person, omniscience with focus, to be a helpful way to balance the aims of omniscient narration (having knowledge, and choosing when to share it) with the needs of the reader: you narrow the field to one person / storyline at a time, and as such revealing or withholding information becomes a series of smaller, easier choices. This takes some pressure off, and makes this narrative choices easier to grapple with!

Here the point-of-view camera hovers in the sky, recording everything. Now remote, think of the classic novel, 'Lord of the Rings'. Despite this point of view's all-knowing language, the writer must create emotional connections between the reader, characters, and story. This view means the reader sits to listen patiently as the story unfolds. I think the narrative distance highlights the importance of pace, emotional connection, and theme. The writer completely controls the story's pace. Many readers lose interest if the story or characters lack authenticity or relatability. The epic story can often relate to an underlying message. When done correctly, the writer hits on a basic human life lesson that resonates deeply with the reader.

Focus on maintaining a balance between exposition and action. Instead of relying heavily on narration to convey information, try to integrate key details into scenes where they can unfold naturally through character interactions and dialogue. You can also experiment with varying the pace of your narrative by alternating between moments of high tension and quieter, introspective scenes. This can help keep readers engaged and invested in the story, even as you navigate the complexities of an omniscient perspective.

In health writing, a clear and consistent voice is crucial for conveying complex information and establishing credibility with your audience – a strong omniscient narrator can make all the difference in driving home vital health messages.

You can't keep anything from the reader. If you have secrets or surprises, an omniscient narrator SHOULD tell those things to the reader as part of seeing everybody's POV. If you want surprises and twists, it's best to stick with limited 3rd (and rarely 1st).