When and How to Change Tense in Storytelling: A Guide for Writers

Writing a compelling story involves making numerous decisions, including the choice of tense. One common question among authors is whether it is acceptable to change tense based on when the story is being written. This article aims to clarify the rules and provide practical advice on how to effectively use tense changes in storytelling.

Understanding Tense in Narrative

In literature, the choice of tense is crucial for conveying the sequence of events and the perspective of the narrator. It is important to note that the tense used in a story is not necessarily dependent on the time when the story is being written. Rather, it depends on the events and the flow of the narrative.

Why Change Tense?

Changing tenses can be a valuable tool for enriching your storytelling. It allows the narrative to flow more naturally, particularly when describing events that span different timelines. Consider the following example:

We need to get on this train. Remember the last time we went to the city to listen to a concert Back in July. Well, the symphony will be playing in that same hall tonight, and this is the best way to get there.

In this passage, the present tense is used to describe the immediate action (getting on the train), while past tense (Back in July) is used to remember a past event, and future tense (tonight) is used for a future plan. This seamless transition of tenses helps to create a chronological and vivid story.

Guidelines for Changing Tense

While changing tenses can enhance your writing, it is important to do so thoughtfully and not overuse it. Here are some key guidelines:

Likelihood of Reader Confusion: Ensure that the shift in tense does not confuse the reader. Clear transitions should be made to indicate where and why the change is happening. Coherence and Clarity: Maintain coherence in your narrative. If the story involves characters with different timelines, switching tenses can help to delineate their experiences. Purposeful Use: Always aim for a purposeful use of tense changes. They should serve to enhance the story, not detract from it.

A Historical Anecdote on Tense Flexibility

One notable example of effective tense change in storytelling is from a celebrated author who consciously broke several conventional rules. This author was able to craft a magnificently written story with non-traditional narrative techniques. The reason for this success lies in the writer's clear understanding of pacing, character development, and the impact of tense shifts.

For instance, consider the following excerpt from this author:

As the sun set outside, little did I know that tomorrow would bring about the most significant changes in my life. Back in January, we had planned this vacation to relax and rejuvenate, but Action was afoot that would turn our lives upside down.

In this passage, we see how the author uses past tense to recall previous events (Back in January, Action was afoot) and future tense to introduce an impending change (little did I know that tomorrow would bring about the most significant changes). This tense shift effectively builds suspense and draws the reader into the narrative.

Beyond the Rules: Writing with Purpose

While there are established rules of writing, talented authors break them successfully by clearly communicating their intent. If you understand the narrative you're trying to convey, using tense to achieve that purpose is perfectly acceptable.

In essence, changing tenses is a powerful tool in your storytelling arsenal, offering the flexibility to create rich, dynamic narratives. Just remember to keep your transitions clear and your goal clear, and your story will resonate with your readers.