writing wtf?

[thrihyrne]

So I was actually typing at my computer, which I never do, because I prefer to write by hand. But I knew I only wanted to finish out this scene, so I did. I went back to re-read and discovered, much to my own confusion, that I'd suddenly switched to present tense (which I abhor most of the time) for two paragraphs. o_O What the heck? I was honestly puzzled as to how that could happen when everything I write is always in the past tense. Well, nearly 100% of the time. But I'd merrily switched over and then back again with a ne'er you mind.

I find that disturbing. It's like being possessed, or how I'd imagine that to feel.

Comments

[iamshadow.livejournal.com]

It's funny...I do that sometimes. Some stories I'll stay consistent through out, others, I read back and the tenses are all over the place.

[thrihyrne.livejournal.com]

I catch other people doing it when I beta, but this was just weird! I always— always, always — write in past. And all of a sudden, wham! I'd been in present tense for two paragraphs. Very strange. I didn't remember consciously doing it, which is what made it so odd. :)

[iamshadow.livejournal.com]

It depends on which story I'm writing as to which I use. Teapot 'verse is almost exclusively present tense, because it started with two present tense first-person ficlets, Tea and Apples, that had this conversational tone as if Harry and Ron were discussing their lives, and I never expected a jillion part series to eventuate.

Of Wolf and Man is past tense, because it's a Remus-centric first person view of PoA.

But I've written other things that are third person written in both past and present tense.

It really depends on the piece itself. Some things demand to be written a certain way. That's a real issue with Teapot, because sometimes I'll write most of a chapter in past and then have to go through and change it to present just to be consistent. The exception was the Exposure/Commemoration/Persecution arc, which was deliberately written mostly in past because I used a "flashback" device; the consequence was shown first, then the events leading up to it.

[mrsquizzical.livejournal.com]

you know i love you, right?

but i am SO LAUGHING at your horror right now.

*hugs*

[thrihyrne.livejournal.com]

Yes, I know you do! And I'd laugh, too, if it weren't so strange. I just write so deliberately, and it was as though I'd just been taken over there, and then, back to normal. *g*

Hi to you, too! I sent you a reply letter; not sure when you'll get it, but probably soon. Hope you're doing well. ♥

[liriaen.livejournal.com]

Hmmm.... I think that's actually how I was won over. It must be viral. Because I never thought I'd ever enjoy writing present tense (which is pretty much all I do these days), but it sort of slipped into a fic one day, and I went hmmmmmm - and have stuck to it ever since. Mostly. :)

[thrihyrne.livejournal.com]

It must be viral?! You're so hilarious. I was exaggerating; I have used present tense a couple of times, but I really, really prefer past tense. :)

[brumeux77.livejournal.com]

*hums Twilight Zone theme*

[thrihyrne.livejournal.com]

I know! It was crazy. Now is the time I need an X-Files icon with Mulder and his "I Believe" poster. ;)

[hapendfro.livejournal.com]

I'm not sure if I'd ever have noticed if I did such a thing, if I didn't have amazing betas to tell me. LOL. Sad to say, but I really and truly do not ever notice things like that. I wonder why?

[thrihyrne.livejournal.com]

Well, until you're hyper-aware of it (kind of like POV), you might not notice. This was just so weird because I'd suddenly switched and stayed that way, then eased on back out. I'm very aware when I write, which made it extraordinarily odd.

[wolfiekins.livejournal.com]

...I went back to re-read and discovered, much to my own confusion, that I'd suddenly switched to present tense...

Sorry, luv, but it sounds as if you sidestepped into my
writin' 'verse for a moment there. Fortunately for you, it appears to be an isolated occurrence.

*grins with abandon*

[thrihyrne.livejournal.com]

:snert: I just prefer past tense. It was a strange moment, because I was re-reading and editing, and went, "Um, what was that??!"

((hugs you and seeing you around LJ))