 Short Stories: July 30, 2025 Issue [#13266] |
This week: How to End the Words: Tense Edited by: Dawn Embers  
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A Short Stories Newsletter by Dawn
Dawn takes a chance to write about present tense. She also happened to focus on past tense in this newsletter. Whether it was how the action happened or if the character said a thing in the moment. Tense can be a big factor when it comes to reader preference. |
When getting ready to write a story, there are some decisions that need to be made. One of them is on the technical side and that is which tense to use when writing a story. Some of you might not even consider this question because it is almost second nature to rely on the common usage of past tense when creating fiction and some non-fiction. While that might be the one we pick on a regular basis, it doesn't hurt to consider the option of present tense. And it is good at times, in the practice of the craft, to try things out to develop this writing skill. I will admit that the first draft of one of my first finished novels, I wrote it in first person present tense. Both of those elements changed because I don't care for either, so in the end, I switched to third person past tense during different rewrites. However, I do still try to write an occasional short story or flash fiction piece in present tense to test it out.
While past tense is the dominant one for fiction, there is the chance of writing something different. Present tense is used but not as often, with some readers having issues with the sound of that particular tense. Not only as a writer, but as a reader, I prefer past tense. So, let's talk about that one first.
Past Tense ( Resource )
The past tense in English is used either to talk about the past, hypotheses (things we imagine) or for politeness. Then there are the different forms of this tense that includes simple, continuous and perfect. The past perfect is one I tend to edit out at times because I don't want to have the word "had" too often in any single story or chapter. it feels a little weak in comparison but I might be wrong about that interpretation. Still, it's another decision to be made when it comes to tense in any particular sentence. This is getting really to the nitpicky side as we write and this is something I suggest worrying about in edits. Definitely don't obsess over the exact tense details beyond decided present or past tense when writing a first draft.
However, in editing, you can decide in the paragraphs whether it's necessary to use past perfect or past simple. This will work whether it's first person or third person. However, third person does tend to use past tense a little more if my memory serves me correct. I have read more third person past tense than first person past tense. I will admit that may be since I don't read first person as often. But that is me and if your writing leads you this way, well, we shall have some examples to help with what past tense might look like in a story about a gnome with a flower obsession for decorations..
Gerald, the gnome, loved the sunflower vase on the shelf. - past simple
Gerald, the gnome, was loving the sunflower vase on the shelf. - past continuous
Gerald, the gnome, had loved the sunflower vase on the shelf - past perfect
Gerald, the gnome, had been loving the sunflower vase on the shelf. - past perfect continuous
A couple of things are noticeable with these approaches. When using the -ing form of the word, in this case love, that makes it a continuous form of the tense. Simple and perfect, not continual elements of them, use the ending -ed, instead to show the past aspect. Those are elements to consider in seeing what fits best for a sentence when going about editing whatever form of writing you have. This is relevant for all, including poetry, but is a particular detail for stories and even novels. So, we then have to consider the next tense type on the list: present.
Present Tense (Resource )
This is the tense that is used to talk about things that are happening, obviously in present time, but also can be used in reference to the future. It also uses the same forms as past tense, which helps since if you have studied one tense for English, studying the other will be easy to develop skill wise. It is a tense that you will see often in first person point of view and for a WDC specific section, I've seen a number of the campfire activities or an interactive. Young adult novels have had times where first person had some spikes in popularity for the present tense and they used the different forms. This is also something to consider more in rewrites than edits but let's put ourselves into the personality of the friendly gnome from the previous example and look at the options. In this case, we are the gnome.
I love the sunflower vase on the shelf. - present simple
I am loving the sunflower vase on the shelf - present continuous
I have loved the sunflower vase on the shelf. - present perfect
I have been loving the sunflower vase on the shelf. - present perfect continuous
As you can see, depending on the sentence, there are some elements that don't work out as well. My example sounds a little weird when attempting first person present perfect tense. It might have sounded better as third person present perfect. Gerald, the garden gnome, has loved the sunflower on the shelf... or not. Anyways, those are some examples but I always encourage more research if you are uncertain about what works best and how to use them in your writing. And it never hurts to look up years later, just as a refresher.
When writing a short story, these types of decisions get made, whether it's a conscious approach or not. This makes it something to consider. Do you want to write the story in present or past tense? How will it sound. For a fun exercise, I recommend going back to a previously written story. Look at the tense chosen for that draft. Now, write the story in the other one. If it was in third person past tense, try it out in third person present (even if it sounds weird). If it's in first person present tense, then try it out in first person past tense. What does the result look like? What sounds better? What do you like? Trial and error, along with different edits, will make for better writing in the long run.
Have fun writing!
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What are your thoughts on using present tense for a story, instead of past tense?
Last time, for this newsletter, I discussed whether it's necessary to follow the advice to write what you know. Took some consideration into how people can write things that might be beyond personal experiences. Here are some comments for the topic:
Comment by S 🤦  : When it comes to making characters realistic, if I have not experienced something, I ask. Having a reputation as an author ("The only author in the village," as one of the locals at the pub says... Little Britain references for the win!) does make is easy to get people to answer, and it does help get characters to feel realistic even if I have no idea of their lived experience.
Comment by Damon Nomad : Good topic and thanks for inclding one of my stories. When you include reality into fiction, make sure you do your research. Especially, historical fiction.
Comment by Stik to My Own Beat  : I will sometimes write something based on personal experience if I feel there is a point to it that will likely be overlooked. That's what inspired Adrift in the Aftermath. I wanted people from all walks of life to understand what it's like to experience widespread violence at the hands of outsiders (however they may carry out these acts). I don't think there are enough stories out there from the perspective of people trying to live their lives around unrest that they can't always address by themselves.
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