Thursday Update #2
If you haven't already heard, I'm a finalist over at Heather Howland's blog! (okay everyone was, but still) Go on over and read my story, Existence, then if you like it, please vote!!
I'm also joining the HUGE contest at My Writer's Craze for the chance to win Divergent, Graceling, and the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, plus a $50 amazon gift card. (yes that is just one of the prizes, pretty cool huh?) so hop on over there to check it out.
I can't forget the pretty fun Harry Potter tour going on that began at S.P. Sipal's blog, so go enjoy the posts, the chat, and win some cool prizes too!
Last, and most importantly, I wanted to thank you guys for your amazing support yesterday! You don't even know how much you guys have impacted my life and helped me through so many hard things. Then you go and blow my socks off with your amazing generosity and kind words.
The reason I was so down was simply the fact that I am practically re-writing my entire book. I'm also debating between past and present tense. The book is 1st person and right now I like present tense, but it's also set in a renaissance type era, so I'm not sure if it should be in past tense.
Opinions would greatly influence my decision and help me get on track with my writing.
Since there is no real appropriate way to end this post, here is a little inspiration that helped me through yesterday. Enjoy!
I'm also joining the HUGE contest at My Writer's Craze for the chance to win Divergent, Graceling, and the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, plus a $50 amazon gift card. (yes that is just one of the prizes, pretty cool huh?) so hop on over there to check it out.
I can't forget the pretty fun Harry Potter tour going on that began at S.P. Sipal's blog, so go enjoy the posts, the chat, and win some cool prizes too!
Last, and most importantly, I wanted to thank you guys for your amazing support yesterday! You don't even know how much you guys have impacted my life and helped me through so many hard things. Then you go and blow my socks off with your amazing generosity and kind words.
The reason I was so down was simply the fact that I am practically re-writing my entire book. I'm also debating between past and present tense. The book is 1st person and right now I like present tense, but it's also set in a renaissance type era, so I'm not sure if it should be in past tense.
Opinions would greatly influence my decision and help me get on track with my writing.
Since there is no real appropriate way to end this post, here is a little inspiration that helped me through yesterday. Enjoy!
Comments
Past or present tense is completely your call. I don't think the genre really matters, if past tense feels right to you then go for it! If not, try present tense. In the end it all comes down to you.
Don't get down because you have to rewrite it! That's a good thing. It means you're willing to do what it takes to unlock the potential of your story. Go for it! It'll definitely be better after all that hard work. :)
Keep your head up and keep on writing!
P.S.: I LOVE that video. I saw it on tumblr a few days ago...it's amazing.
BTW I really didn't mean to post the other thing, I was saving that fr tomorrow, plus it is sooo not ready, ooops!
Past or present is up to you. I've found that a lot of first person present tense books are those that need IMMEDIATE action, like The Hunger Games and if i stay. Those books are entirely in the moment and that added to the story. Whereas if it's a more traditional story, past tense might work better. I used to have a hard time reading present tense, but now I don't even notice--I do know there are some people who really hate it and some people who really love it. It's just a matter of figuring out which voice works better for you. Sometimes if I'm not sure, I try a couple pages one way and a couple pages another way, and see which one fits better.
Good luck, and have fun! I know how frustrating fixing a novel can be!
Hang in there on your book. I know your frustration, but when you're all done, and your story meets or exceeds your original expectations, you'll see how worth it this part is.
I'm sure you already know my stance on tense. I say, just do what feels and sounds best to you.
Laura - when you put it that way it makes me want to stay even firmer in present tense. Thanks for your thoughts.
Sarah - Isn't that video a gem? Those words spoke to me in such a powerful way.
I know your stance, and your thought was actually what brought the question to mind, I've been looking over what I've written and have found that my MC really doesn't like past tense, so I guess I'll continue to be stubborn.
Usually when I feel like I can't sketch something properly..I just browse through the illustrations done by other people. This actually helps me get back on track. Maybe you should do something like that. Probably read a page or two of your favourite book or something. I'm talking a lot of crap today? Ain't I? lol.
BTW, read your short, LOVED it! And voted for it. I also left you a comment over there. :) Good luck w/the rewrites! You will rock them, whatever you decide.
Time frame doesn't really matter when it comes to tense. It is only about what makes the story work the best. Go with your instincts. Pick one scene, a pivotal one, and write it in 1st and 3rd person. Read them both out loud. Which one makes the impact you want?
Best of luck and hold faith :)
Another historical series (YA) that does first present is the Gemma Doyle trilogy by Libba Bray that starts with the book A Great and Terrible Beauty. REALLY great reads!
Thank you so much for supporting my hop. This was a great post to add.