Writing to Readability

I'm constantly reading not to mention writing, but I also read books and articles about writing. I ran across a book on how to write. It had examples and exercises on writing. There was an example of instead of writing in past tense to write in present tense. I really took this small lesson to heart.

I started analyzing my writing and other writers. I have noticed that most fiction I read is actually written in the past tense. So naturally when I began to write, I write in the past tense. However after writing twenty pages and decided to change it to present tense... Wow what a difference it made. Not only was the mere act of changing it tedious and annoying, it really opened my eyes to my writing. I was amazed how writing in present tense really does draw the reader in. You are in the action now.

A example: He ran to the store. -vs- He's running to the store.
"I'm through with you!" He shouted. -vs- "I'm through with you!" He shouts.

Now those are two very small sentences and some can tell a difference right away while others can't. However when you begin to put all the sentences together. That's when you truly see the difference.

I'll use one of my favorite author's as an example of past tense.

Example past -
He stood in the kitchen doorway, one hip leaning lazily against the wall as he watched her. Nicoletta was dressed in a simple skirt and blouse, her hair on top of her head in some intricate knot. A few tendrils had escaped, falling in silky waves around her face. Her eyes were large dark and filled with dancing mischief as she teased the cook and one of the guards. Her small feet were bare, and her mouth was lush and inviting.
-vs-
Example present -
He stands in the kitchen doorway, one hip leaning lazily against the wall as he watches her. Nicoletta is dressed in a simple skirt and blouse, her hair on top of her head in some intricate knot. A few tendrils escaping and falling in silky waves around her face. Her eyes are large dark and full of dancing mischief as she teases the cook and one of the guards. Her small feet are bare, and her mouth is lush and inviting.

Now I'm not an expert, just something I read, observed and am trying to change in my writing. I'm not telling my favorite author who is selling best sellers out there she's doing it wrong. I mean, c'mon now, she's doing something quite right to have best sellers out there!

However this observation in my writing leads me to believe that by using the present tense form is one of the reasons why those who have read The Royal Assassin can't put it down. They are easily drawn in because of the style of writing, the ease of words used, and it's actually a pretty good book. I catch myself reading it again and I'm the one who wrote it. Yes, I look at a few things I'd change, but the story itself pulls me in and the other on top kinda cinches it.

I highly suggest if you write in past tense, to try changing to present tense and look at your work and decide which grabs you more.

Book Reviews for The Royal Assassin

I received another 5 star review for the Royal Assassin! Yea!
I was so thrilled when I was getting ready for work yesterday morning I woke up my daughter and told her! I then proceeded to tell everyone at work! So this makes the fourth 5 star review! That's so amazing! It excites me to read and hear everyone who has read the book tell me what a "turn pager" it is. It's also thrilling to know, male and female alike, like/love it.

The one thing that is slightly annoying is that amazon.com and amazon.uk are not actually linked in a way to show the reviews together. People who review it on UK and post will not show up on the US version and vice versa. It's a bit of a real shame because I have two 5 star reviews on US and one in UK which makes a total of three on amazon for same book, but no link on either page to show the other.

So in my excitement to share. I'm going to put the links here, until I can update my webpage.

Review on Barnes & Nobles Nook -
5 star review -
Anya Villalta -
Love this book! The book is well plotted.....the characters are so well written you feel as though your are there right along beside them. They make you laugh and cry feel sorrow and anger. Shireen Nemnich seems to be able to captivate the reader as she weaves her spell around you, and it seems almost as if the magic she writes about is actually real.

Review on Amazon UK -
5 star review -
S. Kopycinska "Manuqa" -
I have just finished reading this book and I have to say it was absolutely thrilling! The story swept me up immediately and I desperately wanted to know what happened next. The World of Myst is innovative, captivating and well thought through. I can't wait to get my hands on the next book.

Review on Amazon US -
5 star review -
Lars Lansink
I must admit that at first I was a bit disturbed over the first person form that the story is being told in, but that disturbing feeling lasted for about two pages and after that I was just in need of more information regarding the world of Myst, its magic and people.

Few books have kept me as spellbound as this one has and I it was with mixed emotions that I turned the last page, knowing it would be a while before I got to learn more about Reis and the destiny of Myst.

Thank you Shireen, for a very entertaining and different adventure.

5 star review -
jeffery m. johnson -
I find this book hard to review. I do not want to give away the story line. It has action,love and magic and above all a bond of protection for family.

The story is gripping and the action keeps you on the edge, not wanting to put the book down. I had to stop myself from reading as to make the story last. The AUTHOR HAVE A WONDERFUL IMAGINATION FOR FINE DETAIL. (DON'T STOP READING) Awaiting the next book.

MR JMRJ.


This this amazingly exciting or what???