topic Re: First Person Present Tense in Book Club

First Person Present Tense

AuntG — Sat, 26 Jul 2025 22:57:51 GMT

I'm reading RAGE by Linda Castillo, and it's hard to put down. It just occurred to me that she writes in the first person, which keeps me engrossed in her Amish murder mysteries.

I'm curious if any readers have a preference for how a story is written. No doubt there is a downside to this style; it's hard to keep the word "I" out of any sentence.

This book is #17 in the Chief of Police Kate Burkholder book series. Another thing I like is that, although they take place in rural Ohio, the author comes up with completely different plots.

Re: First Person Present Tense

jlkz — Sat, 26 Jul 2025 23:12:11 GMT

@AuntG

I found Linda Castillo books by accident...and now eagerly await the next installment of the Kate Burkeholder series.

You are absolutely correct: her plots are not repeats ! While the core Amish setting is in Ohio, she often brings in other " neighbor groups ", esp. in PA.

As far as the writing style, first person present tense, the unfolding story utilizes the past tense when appropriate. Their is no monopolizing " first / present ".

The ending / resolution of each story is a surprise.

Re: First Person Present Tense

jlkz — Sat, 26 Jul 2025 23:13:44 GMT

@AuntG

I found Linda Castillo books by accident...and now eagerly await the next installment of the Kate Burkeholder series.

You are absolutely correct: her plots are not repeats ! While the core Amish setting is in Ohio, she often brings in other " neighbor groups ", esp. in PA.

As far as the writing style, first person present tense, the unfolding story utilizes the past tense when appropriate. Their is no monopolizing " first / present ".

The ending / resolution of each story is a surprise.

Since I haven't read RAGE yet, first / present may be totally appropriate given the subject matter.

Re: First Person Present Tense

Franklinbell — Sat, 26 Jul 2025 23:36:19 GMT

Thanks for the recommendation! Which book should I begin with? I am excited to try!

Re: First Person Present Tense

cindyNC — Sun, 27 Jul 2025 01:57:25 GMT

I finished this one or two weeks ago. Love the series.

Don't mind things written this way, but I struggle when authors flip from person to person via chapters.........

Chapt 1......Mary

Chapt 2.......Steve

Chapt 3.......Mary

chapt 4.........Steve

Re: First Person Present Tense

KLm — Sun, 27 Jul 2025 17:42:33 GMT

I write, and first person isn't a natural voice for me. I admire any writer who can write in that form.

I recently read a book written in both third and first person. Jarring to move between the two. When I read the sample, it was written in third person, and I liked the style so I purchased the book. (Kindle) Shortly after the prologue, she began writing in first person. Each "informational" section was written in third, and each "character" section was written in first. Interesting, but not something I enjoyed.

I write from two main character viewpoints from scene to scene or chapter to chapter, and I enjoy reading books written that way. I don't "head hop" and remain in the same point of view until that scene or chapter is resolved.

I get a trifle bored if I read too long in a single character's view point. I enjoy the different "voices" the characters use in telling their stories.

Re: First Person Present Tense

Still Raining — Sun, 27 Jul 2025 17:46:38 GMT

Thanks for the recommendation. Don't think I have read any of her books. Put this one on my Libby tag and WOW a long wait.

Re: First Person Present Tense

AuntG — Tue, 29 Jul 2025 23:25:07 GMT

@Franklinbell wrote:
Thanks for the recommendation! Which book should I begin with? I am excited to try!

@Franklinbell Sworn to Silence from 2009 is the first book, but other than her building romance with John Tomasetti, there isn't a lot of carryover, so reading in order isn't necessary. If you browse bookstores or library shelves, I'd say pick one whose plot interests you.

Re: First Person Present Tense

FranandZoe — Wed, 30 Jul 2025 12:37:50 GMT

@cindyNC wrote:
I finished this one or two weeks ago. Love the series.

Don't mind things written this way, but I struggle when authors flip from person to person via chapters.........

Chapt 1......Mary
Chapt 2.......Steve
Chapt 3.......Mary
chapt 4.........Steve

@cindyNC Me too. Let alone when there are multiple characters and time periods.

Re: First Person Present Tense

icezeus — Thu, 31 Jul 2025 04:59:53 GMT

@Franklinbell wrote:
Thanks for the recommendation! Which book should I begin with? I am excited to try!

@Franklinbell

It's an excellent series by Linda Castillo. I would start with the first one, "Sworn to silence" (Kate Burkholder Series).

Google the author and get the list of her books in order.