The past tense is often a great choice for a novel. It gives a sense of events that have already occurred, which is natural for storytelling. For example, 'She walked to the store.' It allows the reader to feel like they are being told a story that has already happened. It also provides a certain distance that can add to the mystery or drama.
For historical novels, the past perfect tense can be useful in certain situations. For example, 'He had already left when she arrived.' It helps to clarify the sequence of events that took place in the past. But overall, the past tense is the most commonly used in novels as it is straightforward and easy for readers to follow.
The past tense is ideal for mystery novels. It allows the author to unfold the events that led to the mystery in a linear fashion. For example, 'The detective discovered the body in the alley.' This gives a sense of a story that is being pieced together from past events.
It varies. If the author wants to draw the reader into the action as it happens, present tense might be the way to go. But if a broader perspective or a more classic storytelling approach is desired, past tense is commonly used.
Yes, it can. Using'says' in a present tense novel can make the dialogue feel immediate and realistic.
Well, both can work. Present tense can add a sense of urgency, but past tense often gives a more straightforward narrative flow. It really comes down to the style and effect you want to create.
Well, in fiction, present tense can make the story seem more urgent. Imagine a story starting with 'I open the box and there's a strange noise.' It's immediate. Past tense is more common in traditional stories, like 'I opened the box and there was a strange noise.' Present tense is great for creating a sense of intimacy between the reader and the story, as if the reader is experiencing it at the same time as the character. Past tense, though, is good for when you want to tell a story that has a sense of having already been completed, and you can give more background and context as it's being told from a later perspective.
Sure, it can be okay. It depends on the context and the style of the story.
Sure, you can. Many novels successfully combine present and past tense to add variety and depth to the storytelling.
Yes, you have the flexibility to do that. The key is to use the tenses appropriately and consistently within a specific context to make the narrative coherent and engaging for the readers.
You'd typically use the past tense for the flashback. It helps create a contrast with the present tense of the main story.
The present tense can be quite effective for an erotic novel. It gives a sense of immediacy and makes the actions and emotions feel current and intense, as if they are happening right in front of the reader's eyes.