Man, I wish there was a post pointing out all the reasons why I should stick to one tense and go with it.

Okay, I lie, there are plenty! But, it’s so much easier said than done.

As a first-time writer, when I started writing my debut novel “You Are My Sunshine” I just wrote whatever sounded ‘right’ in my head. And I couldn’t stick to a tense.

Many of my editors and beta readers pointed out the inconsistencies and warned me about the dangers of switching tenses (unless of course your story is set at different times).

So, why is sticking to tense so important in romantic comedies?

Consistency: Choosing a tense and sticking to it helps to create a consistent narrative, making it easier for your readers to follow the story. When tense changes randomly throughout the text, it can be confusing and take the reader out of the story.

Setting the tone: The tense you choose can also help set the tone of your novel. For example, past tense gives a sense of distance, while present tense can make the story feel more immediate and alive.

Character voice: Tense can also impact the voice of your characters. Present tense dialogue can make characters feel more present and in-the-moment, while past tense dialogue can give them a more retrospective feel.

So, which tense should you choose for your romantic comedy novel? It’s up to you! Both past tense and present tense have their pros and cons, and the right choice for your novel will depend on the tone and style you’re going for.

Once you’ve chosen a tense, stick with it! Jumping back and forth between past and present tense can be confusing for your readers and take away from the flow of your story.

Choosing and sticking to a tense is an important aspect of writing romantic comedies. It helps to create a consistent narrative, sets the tone, and impacts the voice of your characters. Choose a tense that works best for your story, and stick with it for the duration of the novel.

Happy writing!