From:	Ratinac, Rand (NSW) RRatinac@*****.redcross.org.au
Subject:	Opinions Please (Chapter 1 revised)
Date:	Thu, 26 Oct 2000 10:09:56 +1000

Just to clarify.

> You didn't seem too pleased with the first two paragraphs being in present
tense. Can I redo them in past tense? If, yes, won't that throw people off
since the action in the matrix is in present tense?

Yes, that would be bad. Only write them in past tense if you change the
entire story to past tense. Like I said, stick with the same tense for the
entire story. The only time I'd even CONSIDER changing tense is if I was
dealing with a major perceptual shift. For instance, if the majority of the
story was third person, past tense, and every so often you did some first
person sections, or some large thought sequences inside one character's
head, THEN you might want to change to present tense as well. I'm doing the
former in my current major project (third person, past tense going to first
person occasionally), but even then I'm not shifting tense (but, as I've
already said, I STRONGLY despise present tense writing :) ).

Changing tenses is one of the most jarring things a writer can do. It can
break the reader completely out of the atmosphere you've been trying to
achieve and totally spoil their enjoyment of the story. DEFINITELY not a
good thing.

> When is it okay to use present tense?

Whenever you want, as long as you're consistent. :)

> I've never taken a creative writing class (obviously).

Don't let that stop you.

I've never taken a creative writing class in my life (although I probably
should). The closest I ever came was English classes at high school. All you
need is practise. Keep writing and you'll improve - fast.

Doc'