Knowing which Tense to use....

[NotJustAGrrl]

Greetings! I am currently working up the nerve to send some stories to volunteer editors. The question I have is, which Tense do you find most exciting to read?? For instance, should I tell my story AS it happened, or as if I am recalling it. I am in an info gathering stage, and would really like some input.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Weird Harold]

Greetings! I am currently working up the nerve to send some stories to volunteer editors. The question I have is, which Tense do you find most exciting to read?? For instance, should I tell my story AS it happened, or as if I am recalling it. I am in an info gathering stage, and would really like some input.

Thanks in advance!

Generally, the easiest tense and POV to use is Third Person, Past tense. It's also the one most readers are most compfroptable with. First Person, Past tense is the second easiest for both reader and author.

A lot depends on the story you're trying to tell. Some stories work best in present tense, but it's very difficult to keep things straight unless you're fairly experienced at writing.

Whatever tense and POV you choose, stay consistent and you won't have much trouble with editors. Switching from one tense to another in mid-story -- or worse in mid-sentence -- is what will produce lot's of "red electrons" from your editor.

 

[Pee J]

I agree entirely with Weird Harold. It is however, worth adding that one of the pitfalls of new writers is a wandering POV (point of view).

The most likely one to use is a restricted 3rd person, that is telling the story from a single person's viewpoint, usually the main character's. The pitfall is sticking to it. Be careful not to suddenly take on an 'omniscient' POV where you know what another character is feeling/thinking. It is possible to have more than one POV but it needs to be handled with skill and understanding and is not recommended for new writers.

Take a look at www.lionhearted.com/tips.htm where there is a good in-depth article on POV. A good editor will spot such errors - providing you can find one! Good luck and don't be put off - if you want to write, write and then write some more. It is only by writing and getting your work critiqued you will learn about this wonderful craft.

Pee J

 

[TheEarl]

I'd definitely write past tense unless you know what you're doing. Anything else is full of pitholes. Ensure you stay in the same tense all the way through, whichever one you choose.

3rd person (he, she, it) can be quite challenging, especially if you are just starting out. I'd suggest 1st person (I, me, we) to write in a 'confessional' or 'diary' format as a first story.

The Earl