WritersLife Wednesdays Writing Tips

Choosing A Tense For Your Story (The Pros and Cons of Past VS Present)

Choosing A Tense For Your Story (The Pros and Cons of Past VS Present)

It’s funny how many aspects of writing we don’t think of until we sit down to start penning a new story. One of those aspects being: choosing a tense to write in.

You don’t really think about it until you start writing, and the question pops into your head: What tense should I write this in? Past tense or present tense? I’m a bit analytical (lol #understatement) when it comes to writing, so I like to weigh decisions like this with a list of pros and cons.

What is the upside of writing in present tense? What is the downside of writing in present tense?

What is the upside of writing in past tense? What is the downside of writing in past tense?

These are questions that need answers! So that’s exactly what we’re discussing in today’s video.

I’m a present tense kinda girl. I love the feeling of immediacy in present tense, how you feel like everything is happening right now, and you’re in the thick of the action. But some writers prefer past tense, and with good reason. I decided that both tenses deserve an assessment. So that’s what I’m doing on this week’s episode of WritersLife Wednesday!

In this video we cover

  • the upside and downside of writing in present tense
  • the upside and downside of writing in past tense
  • things to watch out for when writing both of these tenses
  • why you should write the tense you default to

Let’s talk.

Let’s talk tense! What tense do you prefer to write in? What is the biggest pro and con for YOU when writing in that tense? Let’s discuss in the comments below!

If you liked this episode of WritersLife Wednesday, please share it with a writer friend! Also be sure to subscribe to my channel to get new videos every Wednesday all about writing, publishing, and making your author dreams come true.

Rock on,
Abbie


Love my content?

You can get EVEN MORE content + support my blog and YouTube channel by joining my Patreon! If you want to take your storytelling to the next level and connect with me personally, come see what I’ve created for you on Patreon.

Previous Post Next Post

You may also like