I am the first to admit it. I have tensing issues. When I write, I find myself switching tenses often—from present to past tense, and from active to passive. I struggle with this. As I write this blog entry, I am sure my tensing issues will show up here as well.
I think for many writers we are often told to watch our use of words, show not tell, delete or remove as many ‘to be’ verbs as possible. Here’s the problem—some passivity is necessary. It’s impossible to eliminate it all, in fact in some instances there is no getting around it. Sentences written in the active tense are more dramatic, there is a sense of urgency that cannot be found in the passive tense. Active tense provides more “show” not “tell.” The best we can hope for is a fair number like 20/80, more active than passive.
How does a writer overcome tensing issues? I don’t know. What I do know is that I shouldn’t be giving any advice on this topic what-so-ever. I am still learning as I go, and every time someone points out my tensing problems, I am surprised. Really? I didn’t catch that. I am grateful for a wonderful critique group to point out these flaws so I can learn from my mistakes and correct them. Critique groups are fantastic that way.
For the most part, past tense is preferred in novel writing, not all novels, but most. Readers tend to expect that. It’s less aggravating. Some novels are written in the present tense (this part of my sentence is passive, if you noticed), and there is nothing wrong with that, it just takes some getting used to. For myself, I think what happens is that I become so engrossed with my characters I actually become them (to an extent) and write in the here and now. It’s confusing for a reader and needs to be avoided. I’m trying. I really am. With time it will get better (fingers crossed).
Check out these links:
http://www.novel-writing-help.com
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art51567.asp
I think for many writers we are often told to watch our use of words, show not tell, delete or remove as many ‘to be’ verbs as possible. Here’s the problem—some passivity is necessary. It’s impossible to eliminate it all, in fact in some instances there is no getting around it. Sentences written in the active tense are more dramatic, there is a sense of urgency that cannot be found in the passive tense. Active tense provides more “show” not “tell.” The best we can hope for is a fair number like 20/80, more active than passive.
How does a writer overcome tensing issues? I don’t know. What I do know is that I shouldn’t be giving any advice on this topic what-so-ever. I am still learning as I go, and every time someone points out my tensing problems, I am surprised. Really? I didn’t catch that. I am grateful for a wonderful critique group to point out these flaws so I can learn from my mistakes and correct them. Critique groups are fantastic that way.
For the most part, past tense is preferred in novel writing, not all novels, but most. Readers tend to expect that. It’s less aggravating. Some novels are written in the present tense (this part of my sentence is passive, if you noticed), and there is nothing wrong with that, it just takes some getting used to. For myself, I think what happens is that I become so engrossed with my characters I actually become them (to an extent) and write in the here and now. It’s confusing for a reader and needs to be avoided. I’m trying. I really am. With time it will get better (fingers crossed).
Check out these links:
http://www.novel-writing-help.com
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art51567.asp
