Switching viewpoint, person, AND tense?

I usually write in first person, present tense or third person, past tense. I don't mix and match, and I've never thrown both in in one story for fear that it will get annoying, but now I'm writing something where I feel if I stay with one viewpoint, and one tense (first and present), I will want to bang my head against a wall.

As a reader, how much would a switch of tenses along with viewpoints and person bother you?

Hard to say without reading an excerpt but it would also depend on how a writer is able to execute such a change.

All in all, it would probably be very confusing for the reader, thus they wouldn't finish your work.

Garrison, I have to disagree with you.

I am a big fan of James Patterson's thrillers. In them, he switches it up a LOT. It will be risky to switch all those elements up, but it isn't impossible. Go and do what you like, then take a look at the big picture later.

Well, as long as I can fallow what is happening in the story, it doesn't bother me at all.

I agree with what deafwriter said. James Patterson's books are awesome and I love the suspense it builds up. At first, I was apprehensive of reading a book that switched between two voices. It was definitely scary since it might be confusing and disorienting. But when done well, it is actually very, very interesting read. I tried writing one too, after reading Patterson. Though a bit difficult, I managed to hang on. Although what I've done is nothing compared to Patterson's.

As I said, it would depend on the writer on how they would be able to execute such a change.

I never said it was impossible.

I personally don't have the stamina, patience or skill to attempt it. If anyone else on YWS can, great!

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Iya -

Your avatar is creepy. I like creepy.

I read books that switch between two different people's view points and I'm not sure what pretense, I'm horrible at noticing those. But I've also ready one that was in the view point of a ton of people and I liked it. That's just me.

I read a book that changed perspective between about five different characters. If you want to know what I'm talking about, read Voices of Hope. No, I don't think switching characters is a bad idea.