Past or present tense? That is/was the question.

9/9/2021

Does present-tense make your memoir feel more immediate? Most people say yes, but I don't think this is always true. Does past-tense allow for more reflection? Usually. But there are some exceptions. This video covers all you need to know about verb tense, one of the critical choices you'll need to make when it comes to writing your memoir.

2 Comments

Marianna Marlowe

11/27/2021 09:33:11 pm

Omg the bunnies! I didn't expect them. They may be better than fresh flowers!

I agree, writing in the past tense makes the reflections from the older wiser version of the narrator easier to navigate. I have tried to insert older wiser reflection in present-tense narration, and succeeded (I think) but it takes more care and thought.

Wendy Dale

11/30/2021 12:44:03 pm

Polly and Cassandra are two very spoiled bunnies who sleep in bed with us at night. Oh, and I've lost the habit of buying fresh flowers, but so many people have commented on this that I'll have to get back to it!

The older, wiser narrator is such an important thing to consider when writing a memoir. I used to think it was impossible to do in present tense, but as you say, with a bit of care and thought, it can be done.

Happy writing to you! Thanks for leaving a comment.

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