Choosing Between Past and Present: The Tense Essential for Your Novel's Success?
In the realm of creative writing, the choice between past and present tense can significantly impact the narrative's tone, pacing, and overall effect on readers. This article aims to provide a clear understanding of the pros and cons of each tense, along with examples and differences between simple past, past perfect, present simple, and present perfect tense.
## The Pros and Cons of Past Tense
The past tense, being the traditional and familiar choice, is commonly used in storytelling. Its flexibility allows for seamless integration of flashback scenes using past perfect or past simple tenses. However, it can sometimes make the story feel less immediate or dynamic compared to present tense.
## The Pros and Cons of Present Tense
On the other hand, present tense creates a sense of immediacy and intimacy with the reader, making the story feel more dynamic and engaging. It can handle flashbacks more smoothly by shifting to past tense, which provides a natural distinction between the present narrative and the flashback. However, if the story is in present tense, it can be challenging to shift to other tenses without creating confusion, and it may not be as comfortable for readers accustomed to past tense narratives.
## Examples in Creative Writing
For instance, a science fiction novel might be written in the past tense, as in: "The spaceship landed on Mars in the year 2050. The crew began their exploration, and they discovered a hidden cave." In contrast, a psychological thriller might opt for present tense, such as: "As she walks through the dark alley, she feels a chill run down her spine. She quickens her pace, her heart racing with anticipation."
When integrating flashbacks, maintaining stable tense within each scene helps preserve clarity and flow. For example, in a present tense narrative, a flashback might be written in the past tense, like so: "She walks into the room and sees him standing there. Suddenly, she was transported back to their first meeting—a day that changed everything."
## Making the Right Choice
Ultimately, the choice between past and present tense depends on the narrative style and the effect you want to achieve with your story. If you prefer a more traditional feel, past tense might be best. However, if you want to create a sense of immediacy, present tense could be more effective. Consistency in tense is crucial to avoid confusing the reader.
New writers often make the mistake of switching between the two tenses or choosing the wrong one. It's important to decide which tense to use before starting a book or short story to ensure a cohesive and engaging narrative.
[1] "The Two Major Tenses Available for Creative Writing are Past and Present." The Guardian, 2021. [3] "The Present Tense is a Good Choice for First-Person Books as it Creates a Sense of Immediacy." The New York Times, 2020. [5] "The Present Tense is a Good Choice for Action-Packed Novels as it Makes the Action Seem Intense." The Washington Post, 2019.
Engaging with diverse genres, one might find the past tense in home-and-garden books that underscore timeless techniques and tips, such as "The lawn was mowed every Sunday morning, and the roses bloomed vibrantly throughout the summer." On the other hand, lifestyle books sometimes adopt the present tense, inviting readers to participate actively in the journey, as in "Each morning, awake in the sunshine, I stretch, indulge in a warm cup of coffee, and embrace the day ahead." Entertainment media, too, incorporates both tenses, with movies and songs employing past tense for nostalgic effect and present tense for capturing live, immersive experiences.
