Comments on: Not a Review: Grimspace

By: Sharp Words » Blog Archive » Terra Obscura: Part 1

Sharp Words » Blog Archive » Terra Obscura: Part 1 — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 06:40:31 +0000

[...] Her novel Grimspace is written in first person present tense, which is rarely my cup of tea, but I really enjoyed it in Grimspace. A funny thing happened after I finished reading the book, and got back to writing my own [...]

By: Sharp Words » Blog Archive » Hullo, World.

Sharp Words » Blog Archive » Hullo, World. — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 10:34:45 +0000

[...] painted across the wide, glittering canvas of a fascinating historical era. It’s one of three books I’ve read this year that I’m going to press into the hands of friends who love to read [...]

By: GUEST REVIEW: Grimspace by Ann Aguirre | Dear Author: Romance Book Reviews, Author Interviews, and Commentary

Wed, 27 Feb 2008 20:01:05 +0000

[...] Bettie Sharpe, Sharp Words [...]

By: bettie

bettie — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 19:26:10 +0000

Hi Heather. Try it, you’ll like it.

By: heather (errantdreams)

heather (errantdreams) — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 19:12:12 +0000

SF *and* romance. With a really nifty-sounding plot and an enthusiastic endorsement from Bettie. Dang, not another book to add to my wishlist! *whimper*

By: Ann Aguirre

Ann Aguirre — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 13:48:11 +0000

I chose first-present, present-tense, because I thought it made the action seem more uncertain. Events unfold as the reader rides along with Jax, and nothing is set in stone. When an author writes in past-tense, the reader has the unconscious security of knowing that everything must’ve worked out in the end, or the narrator wouldn’t be able to relate his story.

At least, that’s how I feel when reading.

By: bettie

bettie — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 08:10:34 +0000

I actually love first person present tense. I wish more people would use it. What is the bias against it?

When first person present tense is good, I love it, but it’s one of those “Don’t try this at home, kids.” narrative styles.

Done right, it pulls you in and holds you to the end. But when it’s bad–what a bloody mess. And I should know. I have the remains of a rather wretched first-person present tense urban fantasy story sitting on my hard drive. I had to pull the plug, put the poor dear out of its misery. It was an act of mercy, really…

By: carolyn jean

carolyn jean — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 18:01:08 +0000

I actually love first person present tense. I wish more people would use it. What is the bias against it? I think there’s more energy in books like that. And it’s the only truly natural tense for action and surprises.

Anyway, sounds like a cool read and great characters. TBR +1

By: Ann Aguirre

Ann Aguirre — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 16:15:23 +0000

Wow, thanks. I’ll take un-put-downable over perfect any day.

By: Lorelie

Lorelie — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 16:07:32 +0000

If you figure out a way to get your hands on the sequel, let me know. I need it too.