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elanya: Sumerian cuneiform 'Dingir' meaning divine being/sky/heaven (Default)
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Writing Query

posted by [personal profile] elanya at 10:52pm on 28/09/2004
I am suddenly unsure about a technical point of writing, so I will put it out here.

I am writing a comparitive book review. I know that the autho of oen of the books is dead, and of course, both books are already written.. Habit and instinct tell me that when I am writing this kind of piece I shoudl be writing about what the author(s) *are doing* as opposed to what they *did*. But not *have done*, though, because the passive voice is bad. At least, it is in History ^-^.

So, am I correct? Do books immortalize people in thise sense? Shoudl I refer to things in the present tense? I know I shoudln't anthropomorphize the books themselves ("This text says that the Duke of Parma can kick yo ass, fool!"), but that if I were goign to I could use present tense... I'm just unclear. mattingly's book speaks for him right? In it, he *says* that not even Nelson could have lead the Armada to victory. Not *said*... Right?

Anyone?

No, I am *not* being overly picky about this, either.
Mood:: 'confused' confused
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There are 5 comments on this entry. (Reply.)
 

(no subject)

posted by [identity profile] rumor-esq.livejournal.com at 08:15pm on 28/09/2004
As long as you're staying with the context of the book, speak in present tense. It doesn't really matter whether the real author is alive, dead, or married.

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(no subject)

posted by [identity profile] elanya.livejournal.com at 08:43pm on 28/09/2004
Grooooovy, 's just good to have confirmation :)
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(no subject)

posted by [identity profile] curtana.livejournal.com at 08:21pm on 28/09/2004
I would stick with the present tense, regardless of the book's author's status. The book continues to *say* things even when the author is deceased. :)
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(no subject)

posted by [identity profile] elanya.livejournal.com at 08:43pm on 28/09/2004
That's what I thought. Books are immortality! :D If I wrote one, then I will also live forever, or at least as long as people continue to remember it ^-^
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(no subject)

posted by [identity profile] skjaere.livejournal.com at 08:55pm on 28/09/2004
I'm pretty sure you want to stick with the present tense. "The author tells us" rather than "the author told us". Doesn't that sound right?
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