As some of you may know I have a piece uploaded on the topic of domestic abuse. I have written it in the past tense; however I was wondering if it woild be more effective in present tense. I want to keep it in third person so I can show more than one viewpoint but I'm unsure whether the impact would be better on the reader if it was in present tense? Thank you in advance!
Domestic abuse is such a strong and emotive topic. I feel that written in first person gives it a stronger message and meaning. It's my preference.
I've got a couple of short stories (3rd due next month) on my website about an affair (with abuse) told from the wife, the lover and the husband's perspective. All written in first person.
You're welcome to check it out if it helps - www.cadasilva.com
Beyond Deceit and Weight of Regret are now published.
I like past tense too.
Jodi Picoult wrote a book about abuse - Picture Perfect about domestic abuse it written in the past tense but it starts near the end then to the beginning of it all and the very end- I thought it was brilliant...because it all happened and she took the reader on a journey
Some stories are better told in past and others in present, as I'm sure you know. I like past and use it widely, so I tend to side with it. I think present is best written along with first person, so I would say go with past.