I have reached the ultimate vexation level.

[valis2]

Seriously. This new Riptide story has completely managed to resist all attempts at writing. It has only three scenes, and I've written these scenes in my head over and over again, and each incarnation has its good points and bad.

I cannot decide between first person and third.

I cannot decide between past tense and present.

I am beginning to wish I had never thought of this. I just tortured poor Husband for a half hour about it. Instead of making progress, I am even more deadlocked than before. Husband pointed out so many very logical things--how much narrative distance do I want? And then advised me first person, present tense, which so many good/great fanfic writers/readers abhor and won't read.

I am so torn. I have been leaning mightily toward third person/present tense, but this is a very disassociated style, which I'm not certain is what I'm looking for, but then again I don't think the past tense will do, and...and...I'm sick of thinking about this and I want the story written NOW. Y'know, I'm ready to just start writing the Jake Tyler fic instead because I know that it will be in third person/past tense like usual and I won't have to agonize over anything except for details about walkie-talkies.

Y'know what it is? This 'Nam fic, though it will be short, could be something special. It could be something unusual and interesting, and I want to give it the perfect tense/POV combo so that it will shine.

*vacillates*

Comments

[valis2.livejournal.com]

You know, we've talked about this before, and I think I suggested this before, but I'm going to suggest it again anyway.

Yes! I forgot to mention that I've tortured you, too, as well as poor oddmonster.

I think your husband is right. Write it in first person, present tense. I for one will read ANY Riptide fic, and even more so, I will be more than happy to read *anything* you have written.

You are so sweet to say that. Thank goodness I'll have at least one reader! heh.

Husband has a really good point about it--it's all to do with the immersion level. Do I want the reader to identify with Cody, or very nearly be Cody? And that's the decision I have to make. First person would make the horrendous "he" problem disappear, as well, which is a lovely help.

But I just worry about Cody himself. Does he usually let people in so far? Isn't he...not really honest enough for first person? I don't think he likes to look at himself that closely, and it could mess up the story's plausibility.

If you write it that way and hate it, rewrite it differently. You told me that you hate doing that (rewriting a story completely) and think you're no good at it, but you never know until you try, right?

The problem with rewriting things in a different tense is that it's the most enormous pain for me on the planet. I've had to do it before, and it's a major, horrible, awful struggle. Worse than just sitting down with a blank piece of paper and starting from scratch.

It isn't just a matter of changing the verbs--it's a different style, as well, and it gets confusing and awkward, and I want to avoid it at all costs. This is not to say that your suggestion isn't a good and valid one--it really is, except I'm an idiot about this sort of thing and, having gone through it before, I'm not eager to replicate it. *nodnod*

I'll be glad to do whatever I can to help you with it.

You're already helping tremendously just by commenting! Writing and talking things out is really the way that I can deal best with this sort of thing. *giant hugs* Thank you so much!!

[tinx_r]

I say go with what you feel. If Cody's talking in your head and it's coming out as first person, present tense, then write it.

One of my favourite fics I ever wrote is Perspective: Cody, first person, present tense, basically stream-of-consciousness.

And I, like catyah, will read any and every Riptide fic, and enjoy it. So we'll read it :)

About rewriting it: it sounds like this story is definitely going to be a present-tense story. Therefore a rewrite wouldn't be as horrifying as you're imagining, from first to third person with no tense change. But really, if that's how it calls you to write it, go for it.

*hugs*! Believe in yourself, dude, and write what you feel!

[valis2.livejournal.com]

I say go with what you feel. If Cody's talking in your head and it's coming out as first person, present tense, then write it.

The problem is that I've heard this story in my head in all combinations--and every single one has worked. *headdesk* Seriously. It's worked with 1st/present, 3rd/present, 1st/past, and 3rd/past. All of them. And not one has had a clear advantage over the rest and no disadvantages compared to the rest. That's my problem--I'm totally indecisive about it. If I could just hear it in one particular way and not run into a bump then I'd just go for it, but each one has a bump...grah!

One of my favourite fics I ever wrote is Perspective: Cody, first person, present tense, basically stream-of-consciousness.

Ooh, I'll have to check that out. I'm certain I've read it, but still, y'know, research...*laughs*

About rewriting it: it sounds like this story is definitely going to be a present-tense story. Therefore a rewrite wouldn't be as horrifying as you're imagining, from first to third person with no tense change. But really, if that's how it calls you to write it, go for it.

Heh. I keep thinking it's going to be present-tense, and then I switch it in my head, and it sounds better past-tense. And then I switch it in my head, and it sounds better present-tense. grah! Grah. grah.

*hugs*! Believe in yourself, dude, and write what you feel!

Y'know, that's what's got to happen here. I have to sit down and just do it. You're absolutely right.

THANK YOU so much for the comment--seriously. I know like it seems like I'm just arguing and being crazed, but for me, this talking it out helps more than anything. *hugs*