The tense you choose for your memoir might not feel that important of a decision but, if you could see the big picture, you would know that it most certainly is. Do you want them to feel that they are right by your side or they are simply watching the moments that have passed from a distance? Should they join you on the journey or should they look back with you? Your decision affects how they will receive and connect with your story, So, let’s break it down in simple terms: past or present? Which is the right fit for your memoir?
Past Tense: A Story You’ve Already Lived
Most people think of stories published in the past tense when they think of memoirs. This is the common option, and it makes sense. You can gain understanding and insight by reflecting on what happened while writing in the past tense. Your story can gain depth as a result of your retrospective of your life through the lens of experience.
Why Past Tense Might Be Your Best Choice:
- A Chance To Reflect: The past tense allows you to look at the past from a new perspective. You can look into how you responded to everything, dig into your feelings, and unpack your ideas. Readers are interested to read memoirs because they offer a glimpse into your growth and the changes you’ve undergone since those life events.
- A Natural Fit: It’s a fact that the majority of memoirs are written in the past tense. It is a familiar feeling and what people expect. That’s not to say it’s boring at all! Actually, using the past tense while writing can help your story flow naturally and keep readers interested.
- Your Story Is In Your Hands: You are in control while using the past tense. You get to choose how to communicate it because you already know how everything turned out. Do you want to bring attention to the good times or focus on the difficult ones? It is all up to you.
Possible Drawbacks:
- The past tense can at times seem rather detached from reality. Writing in the past tense might make an intensely emotional situation seem a bit less immediate. It might feel more like reliving an event rather than experiencing it firsthand.
Present Tense: Bringing Your Story To Life In Real-Time
Let’s change the situation now. What if you wish to make your readers feel as though they are there in person with you? This is when the present tense is useful. When you write in the present tense, everything seems more alive and current. The events in your story seem to be taking place at this very moment. This is a great option if you want to involve your readers in your world and capture your feelings in real time.
Why Present Tense Could Be Perfect for You:
- Up Close and Personal: Without using a time machine, the present tense transports readers right to the current scene of your life! They seem to be walking with you, experiencing every turn, victory, and twist as it takes place. The story remains raw and captivating because of its immediacy. Your readers will feel as though they are experiencing the same feelings as you are, whether it be joy, excitement or heartbreak.
- Emotions That Hit Home: Emotions tend to become stronger if written in the present tense. Readers will experience the intensity of your feelings as they unfold, whether you’re sharing a heartbreaking experience or an exciting accomplishment, which strengthens the bond.
- A Unique Spin: Since most personal narratives use the past tense, you can give your memoir writing services a new perspective by using the present tense. It’s a different way to share your story, grab the attention of and make an impact on your readers.
Possible Challenges:
- The present tense can sometimes be harder to pull off. Remember that the present influences the future, therefore it takes some thought to tie everything together. It might be a little challenging, but definitely doable.
Choosing What Works for You
Which tense should you choose, then? The reality is, what suits one writer may not suit another. The time-tested approach that offers clarity and insight is the past tense. In contrast to that, the present tense makes everything seem more alive and exciting for readers. As it happens, some authors blend both tenses! They might write about the past in the past tense, but switch to present tense during defining, emotional moments. This mix can make your memoir captivating, keeping readers on their toes. One thing to keep in mind is that your voice is what counts most, regardless of which tense you choose. So just trust yourself and let your story unfold the way it was always meant to!