Recently, I’ve been writing in a different POV. Usually, I go for third person limited, past tense. But then when I started writing this new book…it came out in first person present.
Like, whoa.
I’m not sure why. Maybe it’s because I just reread THE HUNGER GAMES a few weeks ago. Maybe it just fits the story (although as a pantser, I only have a vague notion of what that is). Either way, it’s completely different from my usual MO. And I like it.
It’s a lot of fun. The MC, Ember, is very observant (she kind of has to be), so that helps. And she describes everything quick and simple, because she doesn’t usually have time to get into detail.
One of the biggest things I’ve noticed is how involved you get with the character. Not only is it her POV, but it’s happening to her right now. It keeps a lot of tension up. For me, anyway. I should probably have someone else give it a look so I know I’m getting it right.
I’m a little worried about the pitfalls of present tense writing. The one thing I’ve heard over and over again is that the reader should not notice the tense. It should be easy to fall into reading it. For example, take the sentence “I stop and look.” Does anyone actually think “I stop”? No. They don’t. And the reader will notice.
So, does anyone have any tips for present tense writing? I’m still new at it and pointers would be great. And everyone: what’s your opinion on books in the present tense? Yay or nay?
