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.