WHAT IS THE MOST APPROPRIATE FORM OF TENSE TO BE USED IN BOOKS WRITING?

[Aisha I]

Frequently, many writers become confused about what tense to use in narrating a new story. They ponder if they should use the present tense, present continuous, past tense or the past participles in terms of verbs and the action of the story.
It is accurate to use either past tense or present tense in writing a story. I use either of them in narrating a story but I prefer using the present tense at most. I make sure I stay consistent with a particular tense because it's atrocious to use both present tense and past tense at the same time, and it is fun to use one in line with the story.

What can you say about this topic?
Which do you prefer and why do you think it's the best?

[Anabiya]

Past tense in the story make you feel that you're reading an authentic story whereas Present Tense makes you feel its a fantasy work.

[4cynthia72]

I think present continuous is the best since its engaging and makes one feel as part of the narrative.

[gowon420]

Past tenses are used for memories while future tenses are for the future

[love_b00ks]

It really depends on the story being narrated, although reading in present continuous would make you feel like being brought along in the narrative.

[Mildred Tabitha]

I feel present continuous is the best as it is engaging. It still depends with the type of book and its purpose. Stories written in past tense always appear to be real unlike the present and future ones look like they can be acted out for a film.

[Bishop01]

The intended readers are to be the major determinant for the appropriate tense for each book. Children's stories are best written in the present format.

[NRoach]

I feel present continuous is the best as it is engaging. It still depends with the type of book and its purpose. Stories written in past tense always appear to be real unlike the present and future ones look like they can be acted out for a film.

Present continuous is being the best for writing books? I can't imagine being reading a whole book in the continuous. I would be finding very strange.
It has always been being thought by me that it would be best for a book to have been being written in the present perfect continuous passive tense.

Facetiousness aside, past tense is the traditional default. Present is becoming more and more common, though a lot of purists (generally of the older persuasion) seem to find it akin to grating their eyeballs. As a reader and as a writer, please don't try and write anything in future tense. It won't turn out very well.

[SammiArch]

The most important part is definitely staying in which ever tense chosen throughout the entire review. Technically, you previously read the book so because you are referring back to something the review could be written in past tense. However, I prefer present tense. Regardless, I think the collective takeaway in regards to tense is that whatever you chose, STAY CONSISTANT!

[Lara_jane]

Present tense future tense is more likely to use for a fantasy or a cool story and past tense is more likely to use if your telling a story about your past memory or a history

[onuoha onyinyechi]

Past tense is more likely to be used for a flashback relating to occurrence in ones past or history.I think it's better to be consistent in a particular tense that suits the background of your story

[Stblamma]

Well, it depends on what you are writing. If you are narrating a story, I suggest the use of past tense; if it's a new information I suggest the use of present tense.

[kdex97_]

i think in book writin.if one is narrating a story that has happened,past tense is better use.why for imaginative story,present tense is prefered

[Helen_Combe]

I think it depends on the story. I’ve seen all sorts of tenses used to good effect. The author just needs to pick one and stick with it unless they’re doing dream sequences or memories etc.

[Mallory Porshnev]

Books written in the present tense really irritate me and seem amateurish, but some authors can pull it off.