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Reading books: past or present tense?
Topic Started: Mar 4 2013, 09:34 PM (232 Views)
PsionicDingo
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I found a hard drive full of old writing. I've improved greatly since these pieces (we're talking nearly a decade ago with some pieces), but I noticed a lot of my horror and science fiction was written in the present tense. Then I went through a period where I was all past tense again.

Now I'm used to present tense, mostly from screen writing, but I was just wondering how you guys felt about both tenses, and their time and places.

I know some people refuse to read present tense, I know some who say it works in short stories but not for novels, I have an editor who maintains Books = Past, Scripts = Present, and I myself think it's just a style choice (though each has it's own upsides and downsides).

Your thoughts?
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Luchalma
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I'm not nearly well versed enough in writing to give a meaningful answer. Palahniuk is quite fond of the present tense, and I mostly dig that.
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Jukain
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R.I.P. Monty Oum 1981-2015
It honestly doesn't matter to me, as long as the story is good. I've read it both ways and it's not a make it or break it deal for me.
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PsionicDingo
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Surely you're versed in reading! I read it all, from Palahniuk to Gaiman to William Gibson to Hunger Games to Twilight. Yep, I read Twilight just so I could understand what was selling and resonating with people. I'm going to wait until I have five or so novels and multi-movie deals to start talkin' smack. Then I'll talk smack. Objectively.
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Luchalma
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Yeah, I read quite a lot. There's a lot of things I hear you're not supposed to do in writing though that I don't really understand why.
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PsionicDingo
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Jukain
Mar 4 2013, 09:42 PM
It honestly doesn't matter to me, as long as the story is good. I've read it both ways and it's not a make it or break it deal for me.
I think the first time I read present tense in a novel format I was put off, but I got over it and soon loved it. I've heard it called "lazy" for thrillers and horror, since it does kind of carry the suspense for you, but done well it's perfect.

I know people who refuse to read it, though. Maybe it's like inverted aiming.
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CapwnD
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Long Live the New Flesh!
I haven't really read since 1991.

I can't remember.
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"...We were, of course, all ninjas" - Larry Hama GI Joe #26

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PsionicDingo
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Arucard
Mar 4 2013, 09:45 PM
Yeah, I read quite a lot. There's a lot of things I hear you're not supposed to do in writing though that I don't really understand why.
I like that attitude about it. I feel the same.
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Buttface McBoob
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I'm an ass man.
The rules you are supposed to follow are mostly guidelines... As long as it is appropriate and uniform throughout (and makes sense) I say ignore the rules...

When I read I don't tend to mind the tense, although certain 'perfect' tenses are not used appropriately at times and that irks me... I spend most of my days teaching, analysing and correcting academic writing and it can get quite tedious... So when I read I do so mostly for relaxation, and as long as it flows well enough the tense doesn't matter.

That said, my wife and I also translate and when translating I usually use a mix of past & present with more past... Seems easier to explain things that way... We translate mostly academic books - architectural philosophy usually... So perhaps present tense is better kept for fiction, wherein you are creating the world as the reader reads, and not trying to explain what already exists?

Anyway, a few people have posted their writing, and it is always fun to read... If you were up to posting some I'm sure you'd get some good, constructive criticism... There are some good writers here. :)
Ooh Yeah!



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