Often, stories are relayed in the past tense, almost as if they were echoes of events long since transpired. However, an alternative and increasingly popular method of storytelling utilizes the present tense to create a more immediate and immersive experience for readers. Here, we delve into the reasons why writing stories in the present tense can be more powerful and the different effects it can have on your story compared to traditional past tense narration. We also explore the exciting potential of tense-switching, which can merge the best of both worlds.
1. The Power of the Present
1.1. Enhanced Excitement and Immersion
Present tense writing brings readers into the heart of the action, almost as if they are living the story alongside the characters. In essence, present tense narration creates a feeling of immediacy, that the events are unfolding right now. This technique can make even mundane happenings feel exciting and urgent.
1.2. Improved Conciseness and Pacing
Writing in the present tense often leads to a more concise narrative. The urgency and immediacy compel writers to focus on the action, cutting away excessive description and backstory. This can result in a faster-paced story that keeps readers on their toes.
1.3. Amplified Emotional Resonance
The present tense can also be more emotional. Readers are not merely observing past events through a historical lens; they are living them. This makes for a deeply personal and visceral connection between the reader and the characters, heightening emotional investment and resonance.
2. The Allure of the Past
In contrast, past tense storytelling holds a certain nostalgic charm, creating a sense of distance and reflection that can be beautifully contemplative and insightful.
2.1. A Logical and Reasoned Perspective
Past tense is a time-honored narrative style that offers a unique vantage point. It allows for an analytical and logical recounting of events, exploring cause-and-effect relationships with a clear perspective that only time can provide. This can enhance the depth and complexity of your story, weaving a rich tapestry of interconnected events and characters.
2.2. A Historical Lens
In essence, a past tense narrative can feel like a historical account, filled with introspection and retrospective understanding. This mode of storytelling is perfect for complex narratives that delve into the reasons and motivations behind the events.
3. Blending the Tenses: The Best of Both Worlds
Some stories may benefit from alternating between present and past tense. Action scenes can be rendered in the present tense for a sense of immediacy and excitement, while explanations or reflections are described in the past tense, offering depth and context. This technique can create a dynamic and engaging narrative that maximizes the strengths of both tenses.
Example
Consider the following short story written first entirely in the past tense, then in a combination of present and past tense:
Past Tense Only:
“She woke up to the sound of her alarm clock, it was 6 a.m. She jumped out of bed, and quickly got ready. She went downstairs and made coffee. As she was sipping her coffee, she remembered the dream she had last night. She was being chased through a dark forest by an unknown entity. She couldn’t shake off the lingering fear that dream had induced.”
Present and Past Tense:
“She wakes up to the sound of her alarm clock, it’s 6 a.m. She jumps out of bed and quickly gets ready. Downstairs, she makes her coffee. As she’s sipping it, she remembers the dream she had last night. She had been chased through a dark forest by an unknown entity. She couldn’t shake off the lingering fear that dream had induced.”
In the second example, the present tense increases the immediacy and urgency of her morning routine, making it feel more alive and dynamic. The switch to past tense when recalling the dream provides a smooth transition to a more reflective and analytical tone, adding depth and complexity to the narrative.
Writing in the present tense can add excitement, immediacy, and emotional resonance to your stories. However, the past tense offers a more reflective and analytical perspective that can deepen the narrative. Using a combination of both can create a dynamic and engaging narrative, capable of captivating readers with the best of both worlds. It’s all about finding the right balance that suits your storytelling style and the unique needs of your narrative.
1. What about the future tense?
While not as commonly used as past or present tense, future tense narration can provide its own set of unique advantages and can lend an intriguing quality to your story. Here are a few reasons you might consider using future tense in your writing:
1. Sense of Anticipation and Uncertainty
Perhaps the most significant advantage of future tense is the inherent sense of anticipation and uncertainty it creates. By its very nature, the future is unknown and unpredictable. This can create a palpable tension in your narrative, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they wonder what will happen next.
2. Heightened Emotional Engagement
As with present tense, future tense can amplify emotional engagement. The promise or threat of what’s to come can evoke a strong emotional response in readers, ranging from hope and excitement to fear and dread.
3. Speculative Element
Future tense is particularly well-suited to speculative fiction, such as science fiction and fantasy. It can effectively convey a sense of the unfamiliar and the otherworldly, immersing readers in a realm of endless possibilities.
4. Exploration of Consequences
Future tense allows you to explore the potential consequences of actions or decisions made in the present. This can add depth to your narrative and provoke thoughtful reflection on the part of the reader.
5. Fostering a Forward-Thinking Perspective
Writing in the future tense can foster a forward-thinking perspective in both the writer and the reader. It encourages contemplation of potential futures, making it an excellent tool for writers aiming to prompt their audience to consider what lies ahead, whether it’s in the context of their own lives or on a broader, societal level.
Remember, writing in future tense can be more challenging due to its less common usage and the difficulties of sustaining suspense and realism over longer stretches of narrative. However, when used effectively, it can provide a unique narrative perspective and evoke a distinct mood that sets your story apart.
