The present tense, once a less common choice in fiction, has gained significant popularity in recent years. This is most recently exemplified by the excerpt from the upcoming Rebecca Yarros book Onyx Storm published in Cosmopolitan. This shift in narrative style has brought with it a unique set of benefits. It offers readers a more immersive and immediate experience.
Why use the present tense?
Let’s use the example of the Onyx Storm excerpt. The present tense is something Yarros has used for the whole Empyrean series. Some people like it, some people don’t, but there’s no arguing the effect it has on the narrative.
“The blankets on every overflow bed down the hallway have been thrown back, revealing desiccated bodies. My stomach plummets. How did this happen so fast?”
In this instance, using the present tense adds to the fast pace of this particular scene. In addition, it adds to the sense of Violet’s racing thoughts throughout the series. It also marries perfectly with the mental conversations she has with her bonded dragons and her love interest Xaden.
what can the use of the present tense do for your writing?
Immediacy and urgency
- Engaging the reader. It places the reader directly in the moment. The present tense creates a sense of urgency and immediacy. The story unfolds in real-time, drawing the reader deeper into the narrative.
- Heightened tension. The absence of past tense markers can intensify suspense and tension. The reader anticipates the next moment without the buffer of hindsight.
Enhanced sensory experience
- Vivid imagery. Present tense can bring scenes to life with vivid sensory details. The reader experiences the sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and textures as if they were happening right now.
- Emotional impact. By focusing on the present moment, the reader can connect more deeply with the characters' emotions and reactions.
Unique narrative voice
- Distinctive style. Present tense can create a distinctive narrative voice. It sets a work apart from traditional past-tense narratives.
Experimental storytelling. It can be used to explore unconventional storytelling techniques. It can also break traditional narrative structures.
When to use the present tense
While present tense can be a powerful tool, it's essential to use it judiciously. It's particularly effective in:
- First-person narratives. The immediacy of the present tense aligns well with the first-person perspective. This allows the reader to experience the story through the narrator's eyes. However, in the third-person, the present tense sounds a little strange.
- Thriller and suspense. The heightened tension and immediacy of the present tense can be ideal for suspenseful genres.
- Character-driven stories. Present tense can delve deeper into a character's thoughts and feelings. This provides a more intimate perspective.
However, it's important to note that overuse of the present tense can sometimes feel forced or artificial. It's crucial to find the right balance and to ensure that the tense choice enhances the overall narrative.
By using the present tense, writers can harness its power to create exciting, memorable stories.
Experiment with your existing writing
Maybe writing in the present tense seems like too much of a style change and for you and you’d be forcing it. Instead, view it as an experiment. Try taking one of your pieces of existing writing and changing the past tense to the present tense. What does it change about the way your narrative flows? Does it highlight any issues with the pacing that you could fix? By forcing you to focus on the present moment, you might uncover areas where the pacing lags or where transitions feel abrupt.
The beauty of writing is the freedom to try new things. Don't be afraid to experiment with different narrative styles and techniques. By trying out the present tense, you can gain a deeper understanding of its strengths and limitations. You may discover new ways to engage your readers and elevate your writing.
