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Past tense is classic. Present tense feels urgent. Which one is right for your story?

It’s like the difference between hearing “Once upon a time…” and “This is happening right now.” Both can work, but each gives the reader a completely different experience.

And yes, there are wrong ways to use them. I’ve read drafts where the tense changes so often it feels like the narrator has a time machine and no idea how to drive it.

So, today, I want to clear up the narrative tense and help you decide which one is right for you and your story.

Hi, I’m C. Sloan Lewis, your virtual writing coach, and my goal is to help you not just improve your writing, but to support you as a writer. Welcome to my channel!

So, let’s jump into it:

Past Tense — the classic storyteller

Past tense tells your story as if the events have already happened: She walked into the room. It’s by far the most common tense in fiction, partly because it feels natural—it has that “campfire storyteller” rhythm, like you’re being told a tale that’s already been lived.

It works beautifully for reflection. You can weave in backstory seamlessly, and there’s a sense of trust, like the narrator already knows how it all turned out, even if they don’t tell you yet.

For example, in The Hobbit, Tolkien uses past tense to give the story that rich, mythic quality, as if it’s a tale passed down through generations. A more modern example would be Shadow and Bone, where the past tense allows for action scenes but also gives Alina space to reflect on her choices and emotions.

Even the tone is different: past tense often feels steady, traditional, and reliable, even when the action itself is chaotic. Like this line: I slammed the door before he could say another word. Because it’s in past tense, it carries that “looking back” feel, almost like the narrator has the benefit of hindsight.

Present Tense — the in-the-moment lens

Present tense, on the other hand, tells your story as it happens: She walks into the room. It’s like a live broadcast—readers are right there in the moment, experiencing events at the same pace as the characters.

The biggest strength here is urgency. The Hunger Games is the classic example. Every arrow Katniss shoots, every decision she makes, feels immediate and tense because there’s no buffer of hindsight. You don’t know if she’ll survive the next page, and neither does she.

When it comes to romance, present tense can heighten emotional intensity. The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue uses present tense to put you right inside the high-stakes and intimate moments Addie experiences across time.

The effect on tone is huge. Present tense is fast, raw, and immersive. Sometimes it’s almost claustrophobic because you’re so close to the character that you can’t escape the moment with them. Compare this to the previous line: I slam the door before he can say another word. It feels like it’s unfolding in real time, like you’re watching it happen.

When to Use Each

So how do you decide? Think about genre and pacing.

Past tense works beautifully in historical fiction, epic fantasy, and mysteries—genres where a little distance helps you absorb the world and reflect on the meaning of events.

Present tense thrives in YA dystopians, thrillers, and certain romances—stories that are built on urgency, emotional stakes, and the feeling of being trapped in the moment.

It also comes down to reader immersion. Present tense keeps them breathless; past tense gives them breathing room.

Here are some Tips & Pitfalls

• Be consistent. One of the fastest ways to lose a reader is by accidentally switching tenses mid-scene. It’s like flipping TV channels in the middle of a sentence, which is confusing and frustrating, especially when you’re not the one holding the remote. If you’re going to shift, do it deliberately, usually between chapters or sections.
• Don’t pick present tense just because it’s trendy. It can be tempting—especially since a lot of popular books in YA and romance use it—but ask yourself: does this tense actually serve my story? If the answer is no, stick with past.
• Know what each tense can (and can’t) do. Past tense is fantastic for reflection, memory, and layering in backstory. Present tense is amazing for immediacy, tension, and emotional rawness. But it can limit how much backstory you can reveal without breaking the flow.

So, what about you? Which tense feels most natural to you: past or present? Have you ever switched mid-draft and regretted it, or was it the best decision you ever made? Drop your stories in the comments. I’d love to hear them.

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You’ve got some writing to do, so I’ll see you in the next video. Ta-ta!