In Favor of Present Tense Writing
One of the first decisions we have to make before writing is what tense we want to use. The default standard is past tense, which is fine, but I often work on manuscripts that would benefit from a present-tense rewrite. So, before you write, probably make the mistake of switching tenses in your first draft anyway, and then rethink your tense choice halfway through, let's see if you should just lead with present tense.
If your story is less about how a character feels about events and more about how they experience them, then present tense might be a better way to tell your story …
Past vs. Present
Tense reflects the time an action occurs. In present tense writing, your character and readers will experience actions and events as they happen. In past tense writing, you can still have immediacy, but the reflective tone of the narrator will undercut it. And that's where these two modes of storytelling truly diverge. Either you're telling an in-the-moment story or reflecting on the past.
Perspective and Tense
A great time to strongly consider present tense is if you decide to write in first-person point of view. First-person narration is already immersive by orienting readers directly into the narrator's perspective. We experience what they're doing, feeling, and thinking as they do, feel, and think! Alternatively, in a past tense narrative, first-person POV allows us to get deep into a protagonist's reflection and is a common way to create suspense because the narrator's emotions will filter into how they relive the event they're showing us.
Often, people believe past tense first-person narration is cleaner because the narrator isn't experiencing an onslaught of first-time sensations and emotions around what's happening. The past tense retelling of events is more focused because the narrator zeros in on how they've come to understand this event's place in the larger story. The flip side of this belief is that to keep first person present tense voice authentic, a writer must capture all the details a person might register in an in-the-moment kind of experience. Yet, this isn't entirely true.
We don't unconsciously tap into every sense and detail of every moment of our lives. We don't even do that for the big moments. A first-person perspective can lend itself to a vast explorable interior life, and a present-tense telling opens that POV up to the full experience instead of chosen elements of that experience. What keeps the writing clear is a focus on the relevant details of the event, even as it's happening. The difference is: in present tense writing those details won't carry a reflective sense of knowing like they would in the past tense.
Think of it this way: if your story is less about how the protagonist feels about the events and actions and more about how they experience those events, then present tense would be a better, more engaging approach.
Another Time for Present Tense Writing
Additionally, if your narrative is action-driven or happens in a short time frame, then present tense may be the sensible option. If your narrative is happening over a long period, that creates more room for the character to reflect on events in and before the story. Thus, you still end up with that more reflective element permeating the narrative voice. If your narrative happens over a short period, then present tense might create or amplify a faster pace. It'll keep characters and readers in the moment of everything happening.
Ultimately, past and present tense are both fine! I merely want to challenge you to consider which one will serve your story the best and not automatically go with the default, past tense.
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