I’m struggling with keeping my stories either in the present or the past. I read, re-read, and read again, my writing, but for some reason my brain just can’t decipher what I’m trying to say. For example, I wrote:

I was running down the street, but started breathing too hard, so I stopped.

I think the word in question is was. I was running, then I stopped, because I was out of breath. Another example:

I was going to pick him up, but I have to stop by the store first.

The word was seems to be the problem here. You’re not going to pick him now because you have to stop by the store?

My problem is going back and forth like this in a story. When I visualize what I want to say, I sort of speak it in my mind, then I write it. I wonder if that means I have really bad grammar when carrying on a verbal conversation.

I must admit, there is a lot to learn when it comes to these small nuances in writing. I guess that’s why you practice, and get feedback.

What have you struggled with in your writing?

• Participating In NaNoWriMo 2009
• 5 Pages Every Writer Should Consider
• The Galactic Writer Elevator Pitch
• The Challenge Of Writing A Book
• Joining A Writing Group