Shann wrote:I can't believe I said something that insensitive. She must have thought I was the rudest person in the world. I promised myself I would think before speaking, so much for my New Year's resolution.
I'm amazed I'm capable of saying something that insensitive. She must think I'm the rudest person alive. My New Year's Resolution is I promise I will think before I speak.
The first two sentences were easier in the past tense, but I challenged myself with the 3rd one. I think that was easier in the present tense. I think overall I like speaking in the past the best.
Shann, both of your paragraphs mix present and past tense...check out the verbs that I italicized. HOWEVER...they're not wrong. This is another example of what Ann said; sometimes tenses are mixed in one sentence. In this case, it's because you're writing a person's thoughts, rather that writing a narrative describing action.
So...your paragraphs are both fine. But...care to try again, with a more cut-and-dried example? Stay in first person if you'd like:
I sat at the piano bench at stared at the unfamiliar page. The notes danced on the staff--so many of them. I was sure that my fingers had forgotten how to play. Taking a deep breath, I cracked all ten knuckles and placed my fingertips on the keys.
I sit at the piano bench, staring at the unfamiliar page. The notes dance on the staff--so many of them. I am sure that my fingers have forgotten how to play. Taking a deep breath, I crack all ten knuckles and place my fingertips on the keys.
Yes. That's my complicated answer. I'm stickin' to it. ^_^
