Present or Past tense?

[McGonagallsGirl]

I was curious, it's always interesting to see. I remember my middle school English teachers telling me that present tense is the best, and I never believed them. I don't, to this day. I'm a huge fan of the past tense, really. Present tense weirds me out.

[Sparrabether]

Past tense! Definately.

[littlemorgsi]

For me it depends on the author. If its well written, then the author will have successfully used either tense. I think present tense is better for action definitely though, because it is better at building tension generally. Probably I like present tense marginally more, but its such a non-factor in whether or not I read and enjoy a story, that I picked either or any. Its of more concern to me whether the author maintains one tense. Also, if the punctuation, spelling, grammar etc is bad enough to distract me from the plot, it won't matter what tense the story is written in, I won't read it.

[gahhMinerva]

I think it depends on the style of writing and the particular piece of writing. Sometimes present tense just works better. I generally find it easier to write in past tense (if I'm writing a fanfic or story of sorts); it just comes more naturally to me.

[fallingmoon]

I like past tense. It's just easier that way.

[Drake]

Wow, it appears that I am once again the oddball on these loverly forums.

But that's how I like it.

Actually, I believe my penchant for present tense has more to do with the kind of fic I prefer, that is, wispy and heartbreaking and poetic and beautiful. Too much plot/length in my fanfic actually turns me off. I don't even know.

[jkamd18]

I don't care whatever is easier for the writer to use.

[Katheryn Mae]

I prefer reading and writing present tense and past tense but I like all four.

[pol]

Present tense, I believe, requires particular skill. But it is very engaging to read if well-written. I'd prefer a beautifully worded past tense fic to a stilted, awkward, present tense, though.