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The latest Writing Novels thread on the present tense made me think -- uh-oh, you're in trouble now.
I usually don't like the present tense in fiction, particularly genre fiction. There are cases where it seems suited -- for example, a lot of people cite Presumed Innocent as a book where the present tense was the best choice. But there are some cases there it just... gets in the way of my brain.
Except in YA fiction. And I was wondering... Why?! Why on earth do I put a thriller back on the shelf if it's in the present tense, but have no problem with a YA novel in the present tense? Is it because the sort of YA novels set in the present tense (usually problem novels and general fiction) are so suited to present tense? And what makes them so suited to it?
Also, does anyone know how teen readers react novels written in the present tense? Does it give them hives, too, or is this a generational thing? I've read that teen readers are more accepting of books that are different, and even accept techniques that most adults would be unable to stand. (How many adult novels do you see written in free verse? ) Do you think this is why unusual techniques (such as present tense, novels written as IM messages, etc.) are more likely to be found in YA novels? Heck, I've even found a YA paperback written in the present tense and first person.
P.S. If I've asked this question before, uhm, ahem ahem whoops.
I usually don't like the present tense in fiction, particularly genre fiction. There are cases where it seems suited -- for example, a lot of people cite Presumed Innocent as a book where the present tense was the best choice. But there are some cases there it just... gets in the way of my brain.
Except in YA fiction. And I was wondering... Why?! Why on earth do I put a thriller back on the shelf if it's in the present tense, but have no problem with a YA novel in the present tense? Is it because the sort of YA novels set in the present tense (usually problem novels and general fiction) are so suited to present tense? And what makes them so suited to it?
Also, does anyone know how teen readers react novels written in the present tense? Does it give them hives, too, or is this a generational thing? I've read that teen readers are more accepting of books that are different, and even accept techniques that most adults would be unable to stand. (How many adult novels do you see written in free verse? ) Do you think this is why unusual techniques (such as present tense, novels written as IM messages, etc.) are more likely to be found in YA novels? Heck, I've even found a YA paperback written in the present tense and first person.
P.S. If I've asked this question before, uhm, ahem ahem whoops.