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ando
Apr '21

I began writing my first novel recently. I am relatively content with what I've written so far, but I always find myself questioning if I'm writing properly to begin with.

I looked up online and most novels are written in first person and in past tense. Yet, my novel is in third person and present tense. I understand it's a stylistic choice and for the most part, I like it this way. However, when I read other novels, I can't help but question my own work..

Anyone else feel this way?

I'll post my novel here and feel free to do the same. I guess what I'm looking for is for some comfort in knowing I'm not alone.

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    Apr '21

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    Apr '21
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DasIstWunderblyat
Apr '21
1

I personally feel first-person is very difficult to pull off, that is why I write in third-person. I think third-person present tense is more uncommon than first-person or third-person past tense. I wanted to write in third-person present tense because I would understand it better (my native language has no tenses), yet I am thinking of challenging myself by following a more common form.

For me, the one who knows their works better is the author themselves —and I don't like to dictate hard rules for others to follow from my own preference or a conventional norm. I am sure you have your own reason to choose a certain narrative type, and you can stand by it. Even if you cannot, your own comfort is enough of a reason. I know that the use of present tense in narration is often looked down as "amateurish," and third-person is out-of-style or boring; your combination. However, I am sure if you keep it true to your vision, keep improving yourself, and listen to feedbacks; you can make it work. As for myself, the clarity of narration is more crucial (and I cannot really distinguish tenses, so it does not matter much) than whatever POV or tenses the novel uses. I would rather read a clear first-person narration (which is not my preference), than a purple prose or unclear third-person. Lastly, there are published novels written in the same narrative style as yours, why you cannot?

cherrystark
Apr '21

I pick the tense that fits naturally with the story that I am trying to tell. I think a lot of stories are first person, past because it's what's taught in schools. I found 3rd person past really easy for when I started my series.

AnimeKitty
Apr '21

Personally, I don't like writing in present tense. I tried it before and I always end up slipping with the tenses then have a mess. I've used both first and third for my stories though, and I'm fine with reading present tense. Whatever works best for your story is what you should stick with. Doesn't matter if it's not the most popular.

BlunderingAlbatross
Apr '21

I write all of my stuff in a close third person. I find it keeps things personal to a particular character, a bit like first, but still gives me the leeway to do a bit of exposition if I feel it's necessary, or to describe an environment in ways the character wouldn't necessarily experience :slight_smile: I also use past tense, probably because that's been pretty much everything I've read.

Looking at your first episode I think a present tense first can work, it really seems to draw you into the moment (though you should watch out for bits where you seem to slip into past)! Not sure how it would feel to read for an entire book though.

bulletcrucifixion
Apr '21

I usually do third person omniscient narrator and past tense, I find it easier to express every characters feelings.

telari
Apr '21

English is not my native language and since I've grown up reading books in Polish, it's so strange to me to see stories written in present tense. I've never seen or even heard of writing novels in present tense until I started reading in English much later, and despite that years have passed, it's still weird to see and my brain automatically changes everything to past tense regardless.

I've written both first person as well as third person, usually close third person, and I like both. Had a bit of an endeavour with second person a couple of years ago when I had a fanfiction requests tumblr, but man I didn't like that one at all.

However: as much as I find it weird to read novels in present tense, I write the script to my manga in present, English. It's easier for me to transfer it to picture storyboard like that.

therosesword
Apr '21

Write what is best for your story. I've done first person, I've done third. Try not to compare yourself to others. There really is no right or wrong way, the way that works for your story, in your style is all you should worry about. Let "the other guy" worry about themselves.

crisyah
Apr '21

If it makes you feel any better, I'm writing in third person, present tense, as well! I usually write in third person, past tense (and I'm meh towards most stories written in first person, to be honest), but this is what this story needed, so that's what I went with. There are really no rules that can't be broken when it comes to style and structure, so do what you want and what feels good!

childofbooks
Apr '21
1

I honestly like the third person view a lot more. It gives a better space for little funny details and is not one-character-oriented. I also don't enjoy overly dramatic and personal things so again, third person. For the tense, novels in the present tense bother me in my native language but I have no problem with that in English.

Either way, I would tell you to write whatever you are comfortable with. I tried the first person with one of my stories before, wrote a few chapters, and then got bored so that work is waiting for me to convert all of it to third person someday :')

So don't doubt yourself, write whatever you like.

ps. I read your novel's 5 chapters and present tense looks good.

Johnny
Apr '21

I started off my writing journey using third-person past-tense which grew easy to understand and explain for me. Though I am currently trying to expand my writing horizons by going into first-person present-tense which is really hard for me. The feeling of writing it and the way I have to explain a setting or situation is much harder because I have to personalize what I write. With each day, I write whether it be 5 sentences or 1500 words, I make better and stronger progress.

foxnflames
Apr '21

I wrote my first book in first person present tense because I wanted the wonder and discovery in real time vibe, and that works best for my MC. Sentence structure and keeping the flow was a little challenging but I got used to it fairly quickly.

My latest book is in third past and it took a little minute to get used to writing in past. And there was a time when I was writing both at the same time so tense slips were common. I found that I would go from past to present more than present to past. Past works better for the story I’m writing and third fits my MC because I can still be free with how I write and add his thoughts.

Honestly it depends on your character and how their voice best comes across. Each have their challenges, but do what works for you.

ando
Apr '21
cherrystark

Yeah I see what your saying. I guess from my perspective, writing in first person and in past tense makes people feel like they are the MC and that the story has already happened. However, what I am aiming for is you are being told a story as it unfolds? If that makes sense lol

ando
Apr '21
AnimeKitty

Yeah I find myself trying to force the present tense, but I've read online somewhere that it's fine to switch between the two tenses if it makes sense. But then again, I'm not too sure if it makes sense when I write it lol

ando
Apr '21
BlunderingAlbatross

Yeah thanks for the heads up. I read your first episode as well and it sounds a lot more professional than mine lol
After the first episode/ prologue, I switch to a close 3rd person narrative as well. Hopefully, it doesn't turn readers off too much.

cherrystark
Apr '21
ando

I don't mind feeling like I'm "stepping into the MC's shoes" as a reader, but it depends on the personality of the protagonist and how well first person is written. I do understand your aim for readers to "watch" the events unfold infront of them. It can kind of be like a movie in that regard.

ando
Apr '21
telari

Haha yeah. When I'm writing, I'm imagining everything in manga panels lol My plan is to write my story on paper first and then to a light novel and then to a manga. I'm just waiting for my drawing skills to kick in. I think that's the main reason as to why I am writing in present tense + first person.

ando
Apr '21
crisyah

Drop your story so I can read it. I can't seem to find other stories that write in the same perspective/ tense.