Question about your writing process

[oberonfrost]

So, I'm curious about something. I've noticed it in a broad spectrum of the titles here. This is by no means a critique of anyone's style, skill, or ability.

Past Tense v. Present Tense

Some authors, like myself, write in the past tense. Its the norm in fiction, and indeed most literature, to write in the past tense.

But some of the authors here write issues in present tense. I'm wondering if that's a stylistic choice? Or does it derive from some other aspect of your process? Is it the "comic book" medium, and the way present tense can seem to convey more action in that medium?

[Stardrifter]

I write in present tense. It's not so much a stylistic choice as I just find it easier to write that way. It feels like it flows more naturally. I also find it makes the events in the story feel more immediate.

When reading past tense, it already happened. It's, of course, in the past. But present tense makes it, if only subconsciously, feel like it's happening right now and you're there, in the action. So maybe it is a stylistic choice.

At least that's my take on it.

[buck]

I agree with Star. Using the present tense makes the story feel more fluid like anything can happen. The past tense feels like it's set in stone the threat level seems non-existent. Overall I feel the present tense just brings a more dynamic story to the table especially for our type of stories.

[superecwfan1]

Not just tenses with me....I guess I use a past tense deal . But with me I use different story approaches with Hawkman and Green Arrow. With a Hawkman I use the TPB approach and use smaller subplots that drag over and do mainly story-arcs in a sense. With a Green Arrow I do longer plots and not as much by the TPB approach.