Blog for Bristol Services Intl.

A writer send me a manuscript for my editing services and he’d used present tense throughout his story. He included a question about whether present tense or past tense was the best method to use in writing fiction.

PRESENT TENSE

The Pros: The voice of the author nearly disappears (which is a good thing) when a story is written in present tense. Readers tend to feel they are watching the story unfold, without a need for any author to “tell” them what is happening. The reader feels plopped right into the immediate action. This sounds perfect. Isn’t that what writers want: a way to totally engage readers? Yes … but there is a distinct downside.

The Cons: Present tense can actually fatigue readers.  It can feel like shouting or pointing here and there rapidly. It works nicely in action scenes, but it can feel awkward or just plain tiring when slower scenes, reflective areas, etc. naturally occur.  True, some authors can pull it off without a problem. If handled deftly, the reader may not even notice the tense after the initial few pages.

      Additionally, showing flashbacks or changing points of view can be tricky in present tense. Again, it can be done, the author can handle that several ways. Like Frank Patterson, who may use a present tense and first person point of view for all the chapters with a certain character and past tense and third person point of view for others. But, hey, he’s Frank Patterson! 

PAST TENSE:

The Pros: Past tense is the usual, normal, standard way of writing fiction. New writers tend to think this is, therefore, boring. But in reality, it is the way we are used to reading stories. So rather than getting “creative” and using present tense to spice up your writing, it is better to learn the tools that really DO matter, whether you use present tense OR past tense. Rules like “show, don’t tell,” “activate,” “deepen character,” etc. do more to elevate a story than switching to present tense ever will. And, without these other tools, present tense alone won’t save any story.

The Cons: Well, there are no real cons to using past tense. It works. Period

YOUR DECISION: Keep in mind that there are writers who are just a natural at present tense. Maybe you are one yourself! This might be a “signature” aspect of your books. At an early stage in writing, who’s to say? If you found yourself writing in present tense from the outset, maybe this is a sign to keep with it. But I suggest that you try out past tense before you plunge yourself 15 chapters into a present tense manuscript only to–possibly–discover this isn’t so easy afterall.

     Here is a trick to find out which if present tense really works for you: rewrite just one of your action scenes, a couple of pages, in past tense. Keep a close eye on the verbs and activate them as much as you can (something every writer should always do anyway). Do the same for a slow scene. Let them sit for a day or two and then read both scenes, pretending (if you can) you just picked up someone else’s  book to read and had flipped to that page. See what you think. Does it carry the action? Can you see the scene clearly and want to read on? If so, I’d suggest using past tense.

BOTTOMLINE: Only you can make the decision on which tense to use. My encouragement to go to past tense is simply because it is the easiest to pull off and causes fewer problems for writer and reader. And I hate to see any capable writer and strong story possibly be negatively reviewed by publishers, or not even considered, because of such a minor element as the verb tense used. But if your natural writer’s voice turns out to be a present tense voice, then go for it!

     Just remember that the customary past tense isn’t a bore and present tense isn’t forbidden—these are just tools, to be used carefully, like all the other writing tools in an author’s kit.

A writer asks: “I’m toying with the idea about joining a weekly Writer’s Guild nearby for more exposure and knowledge. Whatcha think?”

Editor’s Answer: Whenever a group of writers get together you have the opportunity to share ideas, plans, marketing strategies and explore whole new sides of the writing process. This stimulation is a marvelous adjunct to your own writing efforts. One reason I endorse writer groups is because writing is a solitary (and lonely!) experience. A writer can feel as if they are the only ones faced with this problem or that. In a group, you soon realize you all face similar experiences–both good and bad. However, there can be a distinct down-side to joining writing groups also.

TYPES OF GROUPS: Writer’s groups are extremely varied. Some are no more than social clubs, with lots of members, very organized, with potlucks and many members who never quite get around to writing. Others are hardcore critiquers, “you must bring in so much each week” types. Others have members who write, yes, but few or none of them are able/willing/interested in giving any real feedback to the others. I’ve been in all these types and more. Some sweet and sincere, some very helpful, some defensive and just plain difficult to be around.

WILLING LISTENERS: Most groups devote much of their time reading and discussing each other’s writing. The more exposure you can get for your writing to willing listeners the better–right? Not necessarily. Are these people the type to read (as in buy a book on) the kind of thing you are writing? Is their comment really pertinent to your genre? Some group members may be very capable of offering great advice on ANY genre, yet others will see all writing from their own genre’s perspective only, which may not help and, in fact, hinder you.

NETWORKING: Networking with other writers about agents, publishers, what’s hot on the market, etc. is one of a writers most valuable tools. You still have to do your own research, but you can get a leg up with sharing this kind of info. And you can learn much about the techniques of writing, too, if the others share what they’ve learned from this book or that workshop.

CONCLUSION: So … my best advice is to go, yes, but to keep your eyes and ears and heart open. Tell them you are only visiting. See what they offer in the way of real help to the others, how cliquish they are, how capable they are at writing themselves. And then decide if YOU would feel comfortable BOTH having them read and comment on your work and also if you would be comfortable commenting on theirs.