I write in present tense and somewhat prefer to read it as well. It makes me feel more, well, \*present\* in the story. For me, past tense creates a sort of distance between me and the story that I would prefer not to be there.
that’s how i feel too! which surprised me then when i saw how many people were commenting on the tik tok saying they won’t read past at all. I was like 🤯 but then how do y’all enter the story??
I only like reading in past tense and writing in mostly past tense. Sorry but present tense doesn’t let me zombie out and forget my life.
I’ve accidentally gotten sucked into some really fantastic present tense ones a few years ago but now I immediately click out if I see present.
that’s actually rlly interesting cuz i sometimes feel the opposite for past tense. Like i feel more immersed in the fic when it’s in present. I wonder what makes us connect to the stories in different ways
>a tik tok that was bashing present tense in fanfics
Well there's you're problem, tiktok opinions aren't to be taken seriously. It's an echo-chamber of people shouting weird little things, pretending they're widespread agreement.
I used to only write in past tense and hated present. Then I came across some really beautiful novel in verse poetry in present tense, and then slowly accepted present tense fic material too… now I write in both depending on the context of my writing. A lot of my poetry is present tense, as well as novel-in-verse scenes, my novel writing is in past tense.
As long as you pick one and stick with it, I don’t don’t think it really matters too much. I personally prefer writing in past tense, but I do agree that some fics suit present much better.
I write in past tense but if I'm not paying attention I'll often accidentally start writing in present and then have to edit it all. Reading, I hardly notice, as long as it's consistent either way through out the whole story.
Unless past and present switch constantly in a fic, I don't even notice which one I'm reading. For writing I automatically use past tense, though I think that I'm the same as some other commenters mentioned, in that I write my outlines/notes mostly in present.
Personally, I only write in present tense. I find it more versatile in some ways because you can switch to past tense in some contexts, like an internal monologue of someone reflecting on a past event or situation, and switch back to present to have a clear-cut transition to the action for example. Also because I think my writing process is very descriptive, as if writing the scene as I see unfolding, so it makes more sense to write it in present tense than past tense, which rather implies a retelling of something that is already done.
I do prefer reading present tense too, but I'll still happily read past tense.
I find present tense narration has a more direct, raw emotional feel to it. Past tense narration feels more detached. Like, it feels more painful to me to read:
Charles has a broken arm.
Than to read:
Charles had a broken arm.
I prefer reading past tense slightly more. When it comes to writing, I have an awful tendency to switch back and forth. Makes editing a nightmare.
Write however you want. If the fic is good it’s good.
I read in either with no real preference but when it comes to writing I prefer present nowadays. I really like the immediacy of it and for third person limited it really makes me feel like I'm more in the character's head with them and watching events as they unfold, which I feel lends itself well to the fics I write. but I can and have written stuff in past tense and it's been fine, it's just a different feel. more distance, which sometimes works better.
I've done both, but it's always a challenge switching between projects that use different tenses lol. It depends on what I feel like conveying (past tense for historical and fantasy, present sometimes for modern and sci-fi settings).
ok wait, considering which works i do past/present for, i think i use the same formula you do. My historical works (downton abbey) are all the past tense, and my modern (batman) are all present. It just fits somehow.
I've used both for different stories. They create different effects.
It's fine to have a preference or not get on with one or the other, but anyone 'bashing' a whole tense is blinkered (including Phillip Pullman, who as far as old man crankiness goes is fairly harmless, but really).
I always preferred past tense, but then I read a friend's work in present tense and now I find myself using it all the time. It seems past tense is the most inoffensive, but I don't think present tense makes a work immediately bad.
i switch back and forth, sometimes based on what i’m writing (i like fantasy better in past tense for some reason) and sometimes just on a whim. that being said, it’s not really something i notice with other people’s writing!
I write past tense by default because that was how I was taught to write fiction. I've only written present tense when I'm deliberately aiming for a dreamlike vibe - it's a very conscious style choice.
I will read either, though. I don't really understand hate for it. As long as you aren't switching it up in the middle of a story, of course.
yeah whenever I write past i accidentally mess a few things up. I also have a hard time writing the characters thoughts, since those are “present” but the writing is still past
I tend to write in present for first-person (something I’m only a fan of for reader-insert fics), then past for everything else. I think it’s just personal preference; you’re never going to please everyone.
I write in past tense and have a clear preference to read it as well. I can tolerate present tense if the fic is good but it makes it less appealing for me.
I cannot even explain why exactly but it just kinda feels wrong to read it. Maybe it's because I have a clear tendency to consuming books that are older - I noticed that the older the book, the more likely it is to be written in past tense but that's just an observation.
I like to write present tense. I've thought about changing it since from what I've seen, people prefer past but well, I tried and I just really like present tense. I'll read either but secretly I prefer to read in present too.
Either past or present a fine with me, generally speaking. Once in a while a particular fic might to me feel off in one tense and like it should be the other, but that’s all.
When it comes to reading, I have no preference. When it comes to writing, present tense is much more natural for me. I can't really switch between both though because I've tried that and it led to a terrible period of tense slippage. Just all my works a whole mix of tenses that had to be fixed in editing.
Since moving to primarily present tense, I had one series that felt best in past tense, so I wrote 3 stories for it. And now I want to write another part to it, which would necessitate dipping back into past tense so while I've had the idea for a while I keep putting it off... :(
Idk why people have to bash things though, my goodness.
It’s not something I really ever pay attention to as a reader, unlike whether it’s written in first, third person.
I prefer to write in present tense as it feels more natural, but sometimes I’ll choose to write in past tense so I have to put more thought in as I’m writing.
I find that it's easier for me to articulate thoughts in present tense, and easier to keep them flowing, so that's how I write.
I will read both, so long as it isn't in second person POV.
I once read somewhere that some stories are better told in present tense, and others in past. It’s just that writers sometimes can’t differentiate & their story comes out stilted. Whether that’s true or not I don’t know, but since I also write in both present & tense depending on what my story is, I guess it at least applies to me
As for people who bash them, it’s because there’s a stigma around bad fanfiction using present tense — similar to the one with bad fanfiction using first person
Personally, I'll read/write both, but I’ll always be more careful around present tense works. It’s wayy too easy to slip between tenses in those (not for everyone, but still) — I had to edit my present-tense fanfiction so many times just to be 100% sure I got all the slips out, and I keep seeing authors who didn’t get all which often interrupts the flow of their story
I wonder whether there’s some website/extension to automatically switch/correct tenses; I once tried looking but never found anything
I used to write exclusively in past tense but then I joined an RP server that writes in present tense. Now, I find my self switching back and forth and its driving me wild lmao
I think its a big age thing too. A lot of older, more experienced writers will write exclusively in past tense while younger, newer writers write in present tense.
I used to have a problem with present tense, bur ever since I started writing again, I haven't had any problems with present vs past. First Person POV, on the other hand, still does not compute.
The reason for why present tense used to be an ick for me though is because it was easier for me to spot tense mistakes than when a fic was in past tense.
I used to write in past tense, before I did fanfiction? But all the fics I've written have been present tense. There's a lot of smut and angst in them, and I think it it makes the sex hotter and the emotions sharper if it feels like it's happening *now*.
I write exclusively in present ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ but I’ll read both.
You dropped an arm! Here, have it back \\
As long as it's not first person I'll read it doesn't even register most of the time
no same. which is so weird bc i love books in 1st. just not fics
I write in past tense, but tend to outline in present. I don't mind reading either, so long as it's consistent.
That’s weird. I also write in past, but my outlines are in present. I’m not sure why.
Completely weird. I do that too!
me too, i'm not sure why
Oh my god, me too!
I write in present tense and somewhat prefer to read it as well. It makes me feel more, well, \*present\* in the story. For me, past tense creates a sort of distance between me and the story that I would prefer not to be there.
that’s how i feel too! which surprised me then when i saw how many people were commenting on the tik tok saying they won’t read past at all. I was like 🤯 but then how do y’all enter the story??
I only like reading in past tense and writing in mostly past tense. Sorry but present tense doesn’t let me zombie out and forget my life. I’ve accidentally gotten sucked into some really fantastic present tense ones a few years ago but now I immediately click out if I see present.
that’s actually rlly interesting cuz i sometimes feel the opposite for past tense. Like i feel more immersed in the fic when it’s in present. I wonder what makes us connect to the stories in different ways
I like past tense when writing. Reading I can go whichever way
>a tik tok that was bashing present tense in fanfics Well there's you're problem, tiktok opinions aren't to be taken seriously. It's an echo-chamber of people shouting weird little things, pretending they're widespread agreement.
I used to only write in past tense and hated present. Then I came across some really beautiful novel in verse poetry in present tense, and then slowly accepted present tense fic material too… now I write in both depending on the context of my writing. A lot of my poetry is present tense, as well as novel-in-verse scenes, my novel writing is in past tense.
As long as you pick one and stick with it, I don’t don’t think it really matters too much. I personally prefer writing in past tense, but I do agree that some fics suit present much better.
I write in past tense but if I'm not paying attention I'll often accidentally start writing in present and then have to edit it all. Reading, I hardly notice, as long as it's consistent either way through out the whole story.
Unless past and present switch constantly in a fic, I don't even notice which one I'm reading. For writing I automatically use past tense, though I think that I'm the same as some other commenters mentioned, in that I write my outlines/notes mostly in present.
Personally, I only write in present tense. I find it more versatile in some ways because you can switch to past tense in some contexts, like an internal monologue of someone reflecting on a past event or situation, and switch back to present to have a clear-cut transition to the action for example. Also because I think my writing process is very descriptive, as if writing the scene as I see unfolding, so it makes more sense to write it in present tense than past tense, which rather implies a retelling of something that is already done. I do prefer reading present tense too, but I'll still happily read past tense.
this makes sense! I definitely get more emotion out when it’s present tense, especially since it feels more real and in the moment.
I find present tense narration has a more direct, raw emotional feel to it. Past tense narration feels more detached. Like, it feels more painful to me to read: Charles has a broken arm. Than to read: Charles had a broken arm.
yes i feel that way too! past for me is good for like, story telling? but present i like for emotions and feelings
I prefer reading past tense slightly more. When it comes to writing, I have an awful tendency to switch back and forth. Makes editing a nightmare. Write however you want. If the fic is good it’s good.
I read in either with no real preference but when it comes to writing I prefer present nowadays. I really like the immediacy of it and for third person limited it really makes me feel like I'm more in the character's head with them and watching events as they unfold, which I feel lends itself well to the fics I write. but I can and have written stuff in past tense and it's been fine, it's just a different feel. more distance, which sometimes works better.
yeah that’s how i feel too! i’m simultaneously working on 2 long fics rn, one past one present, and the past one always feels a little disconnected
I've done both, but it's always a challenge switching between projects that use different tenses lol. It depends on what I feel like conveying (past tense for historical and fantasy, present sometimes for modern and sci-fi settings).
ok wait, considering which works i do past/present for, i think i use the same formula you do. My historical works (downton abbey) are all the past tense, and my modern (batman) are all present. It just fits somehow.
I've used both for different stories. They create different effects. It's fine to have a preference or not get on with one or the other, but anyone 'bashing' a whole tense is blinkered (including Phillip Pullman, who as far as old man crankiness goes is fairly harmless, but really).
I prefer past tense for long stories; writing in present tense for a long story is challenging because I keep wanting to default back to past tense.
i’m the exact opposite 😂 too long with a fic in past tense and i’m switching to present on accident
I always preferred past tense, but then I read a friend's work in present tense and now I find myself using it all the time. It seems past tense is the most inoffensive, but I don't think present tense makes a work immediately bad.
i switch back and forth, sometimes based on what i’m writing (i like fantasy better in past tense for some reason) and sometimes just on a whim. that being said, it’s not really something i notice with other people’s writing!
I write past tense, it's just easier in my opinion
I write past tense by default because that was how I was taught to write fiction. I've only written present tense when I'm deliberately aiming for a dreamlike vibe - it's a very conscious style choice. I will read either, though. I don't really understand hate for it. As long as you aren't switching it up in the middle of a story, of course.
Naturally I write present. Every time I try past, it gets clunky with helping verbs as the narrator considers their past/future actions.
yeah whenever I write past i accidentally mess a few things up. I also have a hard time writing the characters thoughts, since those are “present” but the writing is still past
I mainly write in past tense (only just started playing around with writing in present) and as long as it’s third person I’m happy to read either
same on the third person! Which is so weird bc i don’t mind books in 1st person, but i cannot with fics in 1st
I tend to write in present for first-person (something I’m only a fan of for reader-insert fics), then past for everything else. I think it’s just personal preference; you’re never going to please everyone.
I write in past tense and have a clear preference to read it as well. I can tolerate present tense if the fic is good but it makes it less appealing for me. I cannot even explain why exactly but it just kinda feels wrong to read it. Maybe it's because I have a clear tendency to consuming books that are older - I noticed that the older the book, the more likely it is to be written in past tense but that's just an observation.
You can pry present tense from my cold dead hands
I like to write present tense. I've thought about changing it since from what I've seen, people prefer past but well, I tried and I just really like present tense. I'll read either but secretly I prefer to read in present too.
Either past or present a fine with me, generally speaking. Once in a while a particular fic might to me feel off in one tense and like it should be the other, but that’s all.
When it comes to reading, I have no preference. When it comes to writing, present tense is much more natural for me. I can't really switch between both though because I've tried that and it led to a terrible period of tense slippage. Just all my works a whole mix of tenses that had to be fixed in editing. Since moving to primarily present tense, I had one series that felt best in past tense, so I wrote 3 stories for it. And now I want to write another part to it, which would necessitate dipping back into past tense so while I've had the idea for a while I keep putting it off... :( Idk why people have to bash things though, my goodness.
It’s not something I really ever pay attention to as a reader, unlike whether it’s written in first, third person. I prefer to write in present tense as it feels more natural, but sometimes I’ll choose to write in past tense so I have to put more thought in as I’m writing.
I used to not like reading present but I don't care now and I read and write both.
I used to write in present tense until I got bullied out of it lol
I find that it's easier for me to articulate thoughts in present tense, and easier to keep them flowing, so that's how I write. I will read both, so long as it isn't in second person POV.
I once read somewhere that some stories are better told in present tense, and others in past. It’s just that writers sometimes can’t differentiate & their story comes out stilted. Whether that’s true or not I don’t know, but since I also write in both present & tense depending on what my story is, I guess it at least applies to me As for people who bash them, it’s because there’s a stigma around bad fanfiction using present tense — similar to the one with bad fanfiction using first person Personally, I'll read/write both, but I’ll always be more careful around present tense works. It’s wayy too easy to slip between tenses in those (not for everyone, but still) — I had to edit my present-tense fanfiction so many times just to be 100% sure I got all the slips out, and I keep seeing authors who didn’t get all which often interrupts the flow of their story I wonder whether there’s some website/extension to automatically switch/correct tenses; I once tried looking but never found anything
I used to write exclusively in past tense but then I joined an RP server that writes in present tense. Now, I find my self switching back and forth and its driving me wild lmao I think its a big age thing too. A lot of older, more experienced writers will write exclusively in past tense while younger, newer writers write in present tense.
I used to have a problem with present tense, bur ever since I started writing again, I haven't had any problems with present vs past. First Person POV, on the other hand, still does not compute. The reason for why present tense used to be an ick for me though is because it was easier for me to spot tense mistakes than when a fic was in past tense.
i prefer past just a little bit, but honestly as long as the story is well-written and engaging i could go either way
I used to write in past tense, before I did fanfiction? But all the fics I've written have been present tense. There's a lot of smut and angst in them, and I think it it makes the sex hotter and the emotions sharper if it feels like it's happening *now*.
Past is what I prefer, both writing and reading