What Tense Should You Write In My Creative Writing?

Which tense should you use when writing creatively? This question can be difficult because there are so many different options. However, by understanding the basics of each tense, you can make a more informed decision about which one to use in your writing.

This guide will explore the three most common tenses used in creative writing: past, present, and future. We will also discuss some of the benefits and drawbacks of each tense.

The past tense is often used in creative writing because it allows the writer to reflect on past events and experiences. This can be helpful in creating a sense of nostalgia or sentimentality. Additionally, the past tense can provide a sense of closure to a story, as the story has already ended at the time that it is being told. However, there are some drawbacks to using the past tense.

Firstly, it can be difficult to maintain a consistent point of view when using the past tense.

Secondly, the past tense can make it difficult to create a sense of immediacy or urgency in your writing.

The present tense is often used in creative writing because it helps to create a sense of immediacy. Additionally, the present tense can be helpful in making your writing sound more spontaneous. However, there are some drawbacks to using the present tense.

Firstly, the present tense can make creating a sense of nostalgia or sentimentality difficult.

Secondly, writing in the present tense can lead to an unreliable narrator, which means that the story’s main narrator may miss out on key details as it is all happening in the current.

The future tense is used in creative writing to allow the writer to speculate about future events. Additionally, the future tense can be helpful in creating a sense of anticipation or excitement. However, there are some drawbacks to using the future tense.

Firstly, it can be difficult to maintain writing in the future tense for the entirety of a story. This can also mean that your story may be difficult for the reader to follow. Another downside to writing in the future tense is that it is more difficult to add nostalgic elements, as you are talking about things that are going to happen rather than what has already happened.

So, which tense should you use when writing creatively? The answer to this question depends on your purpose for writing. If you want to create nostalgia or sentimentality, the past tense may be a good option.

The present tense may be a better option if you are trying to create a sense of immediacy or urgency. And if you are interested in creating a sense of anticipation or excitement, the future tense may be the best option. Ultimately, the decision about which tense to use is up to you. Just remember to consider your purpose for writing before making a final decision.