First Person Present Tense

AuntG · ‎03-09-2010

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.

jlkz · ‎12-02-2013

@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.

We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.
Sir Winston Churchill

jlkz · ‎12-02-2013

@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.

We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.
Sir Winston Churchill

Franklinbell · ‎01-04-2015

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

cindyNC · ‎08-01-2019

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

KLm · ‎12-03-2010

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.

Still Raining · ‎03-30-2014

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.

AuntG · ‎03-09-2010

@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.

FranandZoe · ‎03-09-2010

@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.