For most of my writing, I have typically stuck with past tense when it comes to how I word my sentences. "The knight turned to face the Holy Grail as it sat on the edge of the crevasse. Below, he saw what was left of the brave swallow that had lead him allow while carrying a coconut."

At present, my wife is reading Divergent, and it appears to be written in present tense. (And also in first person, which I typically don't do, either.)

I'm curious what you prefer to use and why. I figureasking this question might also help me understand how each of you write.

Thanks!

Now Writing: Star Trek: Providence - Nova's Prospect ~ Facebook | Twitter

I always write in past tense--except for one story I'm working on. The protagonist has had a rough childhood, and is very focused on survival and making the best of the moment. She doesn't think about the future other than hoping for her next meal, and she doesn't think about the past, so present tense seemed like a natural fit for her. It's very hard for me though, because I'm not used to it!

I always write past tense because I don't like reading present tense. I usually write first person because I like getting into the head of my main character, but last year for NaNo I wrote third person since my story had multiple main characters.

I always write in past tense. I just feel more at home with it and seem to have less grammatical issues when I do.

I almost always write in third person, generally limited, but occasionally omniscient. One of my novels I wrote in first person, but I'm considering editing it into third so I can add more viewpoints. I wrote another piece in second person and I think I actually got more into the character's head in that one than I did for the first-person narrative, strangely enough.

I have never seen present tense work in the context of a full novel. That said, I write in past tense--usually third person limited, but this year I'm taking a stab at first person.

I dislike reading present tense. So I write in past tense. Even when well-done, present tense tends to bring me out of the story--it makes me more aware that I'm reading a story, and less just being absorbed by what is happening.

I feel the same way about first person. If done well, it can work, but it's harder for me to feel like I'm inside the character's head if it's first person because the 'I" statements don't match up with how I feel. If it's a She or a name, then I can pretend to be that character and go with the flow easier than if it's an I.

I firmly believe in writing what I like to read, which is part of why I enjoy editing my novels.

I usually write in past tense, and almost never in first person. It just feels wrong to me to do otherwise. I agree with Katherine-it pulls me out of the story too much, and past tense comes so much more naturally to me that it's worse when I'm writing because I have to focus on the tense instead of the story.

Present tense as a general statement always feels very amateurish. To me it's the kind of writing I expect to see on a forum or chat-based roleplaying game. In that context, it makes sense--you are dictating what your character is doing at the very moment of your posting. Outside of that, however, it just seems to fall flat.

Reading something in present tense just doesn't sit well with me. As Sapphire mentioned, it smacks of roleplaying posts. If I'm reading a novel, past tense feels normal. I'm not even all that thrilled with first person most of the time. So when I do write, it's most often third person, past tense.

Thanks for the comments, everyone. I see everyone has a similar view. I personally have not touched the present tense much outside of the chat-based roleplaying Sapphire mentioned (and even then, for the past few years, I switched to past tense).

I figured it was worth asking and getting an opinion about. And it's nice seeing how everyone feels about it.

Now Writing: Star Trek: Providence - Nova's Prospect ~ Facebook | Twitter

I always write in past tense because it's just what comes most easily to me. I think it's because most of what I've read has always been in the past tense, so that's what I know. Also, I tend to write in third person the most. I have written in first person in the past for a few projects and I was recently re-reading those, wondering if writing in first person is what made them so fun to write...but I'm just not sure. Maybe I'll try a first person story next year?

What's with all the hate? I actually like present tense... I feel it conveys action better. Something didn't happen at some point in the past and I'm reading it eons later, it's happening right now and unfolding in front of my eyes! At least, that's my two cents.

Sapphire wrote:I have never seen present tense work in the context of a full novel. That said, I write in past tense--usually third person limited, but this year I'm taking a stab at first person.

I'm writing my first NaNo in first person present tense. I actually find I'm enjoying it more than third-person past tense. Maybe it's because when I personally share a story I share it in first person present.

*suddenly realizes he's the minority*

From the Shadows wrote:

I'm writing my first NaNo in first person present tense. I actually find I'm enjoying it more than third-person past tense. Maybe it's because when I personally share a story I share it in first person present.

*suddenly realizes he's the minority*

I'm writing past tense - third person.