Does anyone have any thoughts on writing in the first person, present tense

by Sarah Dyne
20th January 2014

Does anyone have any views on writing in the first person, present...there are several young adult books out there written this way, notably the Hunger Games. I personally enjoy reading SOME books written this way.

My first attempt at writing was in the close third/ past tense. I decided it didn't work well with the story I was telling so I switched to the first person point of view. Somehow without quite realising it my story fell into the present tense, and now I'm worried.

I get the impression only experienced writers can write in the present tense, first person, and most people hate this type of writing. In fact the more I try to get a POV on this, the more I hear it is madness for a novice to attempt this method. Sadly I have spent 8 months writing nearly the whole first draft this way...am I wasting my time here...

HELP

Replies

First person - fine. Present tense - tricky. I can't see how that can be sustained throughout a novel, unless it's all action and not much context. Good luck, though. It's worth experimenting.

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Margaret
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Margaret Challender
01/02/2014

Just you must writing in the person that you feel sure. In my opnion, I prefer the books which are told in third person but I've read lots of amazing books that are told in first person. Like I said just you must writing in the person that you feel sure and really like you. If you like the first person just reads and writes in that person – go for it!

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Jeferson
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Jeferson Bello
30/01/2014

I think its very hard to do it well but when it is done well, its amazing! Much more personal and easier to connect to the characters. Unfortunately, I've never been very good at it though!

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Haley
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