Present or Past tense

First pass, I wrote the book in the past tense and now I am debating if the present tense is more appropriate. Does the reader want me to relate the a story of my walking the Camino (past tense) or to be swept along in the midst of the action (present tense). If the story is good, does tense make a difference?

Please look at the following paragraph and tell me which version you like best. The changes are subtle.

  1. The sun rises over the mountains behind us and, once again, we chase our shadows down pebbly roads tinted rose-colored by dawn’s palette. I love the Meseta, especially at dawn when the expansive wheat fields take on a golden hue and all the colors intensify. It is a joyously, magical moment, lasting only a few fleeting minutes. Luckily as the sun rises later each day, I can anticipate repeat performances.
  2. The sun rose over the mountains behind us and, once again, we chased our shadows down pebbly roads tinted rose-colored by dawn’s palette. I loved the Meseta, especially at dawn when the expansive wheat fields took on a golden hue and all the colors intensified. It was a joyously, magical moment, lasting only a few fleeting minutes. Luckily as the sun rose later each day, I could anticipate repeat performances.
  3. Makes no difference, I like both.

So, dear reader, let me know which you prefer.

About The Author

Jane V. Blanchard

Adventurer and Author, I was born in Hartford Connecticut and now live in Sarasota, Florida.