So, I want to start writing another story of mine, because my current work needs some brewing before I can write it. And this new work, I need help figuring out tense, because it covers a LONG period of time. I have it mapped to 17 years right now, but it's ALL important, because of plot. But I was sitting down and I just saw the words on the page as present tense. This is a problem, because I have NEVER written in present tense. Took my years to read the Hunger Games, because as a reader, I don't like it. But this story, I want to feel grounded in time. Because events happen that effect both the MCs. For reference, it's this story: https://www.writingforums.org/threads/shared-pain-powers-lore-help-wanted.177218/ And also more info: https://www.writingforums.org/threads/pain-response-during-surgery.177398/#post-2032579 Anyway, I am really confused, because when I start to write in third-person past tense, it feels too distant of a lens. But First-Person won't work, because of worldbuilding and lore. If I did that, it would be info-city dump. Which wouldn't been good for anyone. I know it is a personal choice and I'm getting hung up on this rather than just writing. But I suppose I am looking for advice on if it's worth switching to third person present when my skills are in third/first past.
Personally, I don't think present feels any more immediate than past feels distant. If anything, present feels more intrusive. Hunger Games is a great example. I was picturing Katniss simultaneously dodging fireballs while she narrated. I wanted to yell, you're going to die if you don't stop talking!
Thanks for your thoughts and yeah, I felt the same about the Hunger Games at time. (How is this lady narrating?) I guess I am trying to avoid a Narrator situation, or a 'I remember when and little did I know'. Both of which I don't do often, but for this story, I wanted it more present. But I do think that sticking to the tense I am good at is the right choice.
That falls into the POV bucket more than the tense bucket. Keep the spectrum depth tight and you should be fine. You narrator will sound just as distant in the present tense as the past if it's written from a distance. Tense won't help you much there.
Thank you. (and please move this to POV if you want.) I suppose you're right it's more of a POV issue, because I want it to FEEL personal, but still able to explain the world without info-dumping. I think it's going to be one internal thought, rather than omnipresent.
Present tense is tricky I wrote in it several times but it can really mess with how you divulge things. First off past tense is helpful because it has built in 'closure' - I ran to the store. Present tense doesn't always have that - I run to the store - never suggests you have actually arrived. It can add unnecessary bulk that past tense doesn't need and rather than feel immediate can sound like stage directions. You could use a closer third person pov. When you're in the shoes of the mc and holding his attitude tight - coloring all the wording, tone, through his eyes it will feel more fresh and intimate.
Thanks! I think you're onto something. A tight 3rd-person POV is really what I should go for in this story. I will do some research and I am sure I can figure it out. In the meantime, does anyone have any quick guides? I assume I have already written like this before, but having a refresher is always nice.
POV is my weakest writing element. And, like you, I hate 1st-person. Really, I'm working on doing it right myself.
Yeah, I get it. For me, it's specifically the present tense: I run to the store. I buy eggs, milk, and cheese. In my opinion, it almost always just sounds like someone telling a story, not showing a story.
Yeah, there's a certain affect with the present tense that needs to be backed up by the subject material. There's going to the grocery store on one hand and a Cormac McCarthy gag about hanging dead babies from a tree on the other. I don't think Cormac ever wrote present tense but you get the idea. The balance between style and substance gets more precarious on the style end than the substance end, if that makes any sense.
In that instance, the MC in first person would have to say something like, "there used to be an old general store I went to in that town owned by Mr. Longfellow that sold eggs, milk, and cheese. I'd go there on occasion and get those things when I wasn't drowning cats in the river.." In other words, you need to use story telling to indirectly describe things. In some ways, it forces you to do disciplined writing. Still, I hate tf out of it.
I understand. I didn't use to write 1st person at all. Now, I have written a whole series in first person. I think for me it was difficult to really get in a character's head. I liked the distance of 3rd. But I totally get not liking 1st. It's kinda weird and jarring.
