Both the stories I'm planning to write at the moment will fit their accepted genres. I'm going to try them out for at least one, perhaps both, stories.
I usually go for my favourite authors, but when I read random new authors, I tend to go for the ones where the cover catches my eye. They say 'never judge a book by its cover', but that's exactly what readers do. If the cover is eye-catching, I'll read the back blurb, and if that sounds interesting, I'll read the book.
I've written a few stories in present tense, but was only happy enough with one to publish it. I quite like that one, and, because of the contents, it worked pretty well, I think. As you say, it's good to experiment, because it definitely improves writing style and skill, and it also helps you to discover exactly what you prefer, from experience and not from other people's opinions.
As far as confusing tenses with regards to references to the past, that's not so hard once you figure out how. It works exactly the same way as normal tense, except that you wouldn't have words like 'had' when writing in present tense, but would use 'was' instead (when referring to the past).
Koontz is one of my all-time favourite authors and a literary inspiration to me.
Title: Relentless
Author: Dean Koontz
Publisher: Harper Collins
Reviewer: Vanessa Finaughty
Expect Dean Koontz’s usual fast pace in this thriller, which includes a good dose of humour, making Relentless a definite must-buy.
This one will be of particular interest to writers and reviewers, as the protagonist, writer Cubby Greenwich, is stalked by a brutal, sociopathic book reviewer who seems to be intent on proving that sticks and stones can indeed break bones, although it all starts with a single word: doom.
When Cubby reads Shearman Waxx’s review of his latest novel, he obsesses about the critic’s comments, largely because Waxx clearly didn’t actually read his book. Everyone tells Cubby to let it go, and even his son’s strange dog, Lassie, seems to echo this sentiment, but this proves difficult to do.
A not-so-chance meeting with Waxx leads to a frightening chain of events that forces Cubby and his family to flee their home, leaving them with no idea how to save themselves. Waxx relentlessly pursues, and his ability to find them anywhere is almost supernatural. It soon becomes clear that Waxx is not working alone.
If you think one sociopath hell-bent on destroying you is terrifying, try a group that wants your loved ones’ suffering and death, your suffering, and your death, in that order.
Relentless has Koontz’s well-known voice, along with his humour, but it’s still not quite the same as his other novels. I’m always a little disappointed when everything is wrapped up nicely at the end of a novel, which is precisely what Koontz does here. There are no important unanswered questions to ponder at the end of this one, which will please some fans and disappoint others.
However, I cannot claim overall disappointment after all the smiles, chuckles and entertainment I gained from reading this book, and its message is clear to this reader: if a mysterious someone speaks out against you – let it go! Too many words induce action, which isn’t necessarily good for one’s health.
Relentless is certainly worth the read, and, due to the addition of Milo, Cubby’s prodigy son, older teenagers may enjoy it, too.
I think it depends partially on the type of story you're writing. Personally, I think you should write the tense that you prefer reading, although there are times when other tenses do work better. The only thing with present tense is that it's not a natural way of speaking, so it's harder to get it right the whole way through.
I write because I'll go mad if I don't. It keeps me sane.
It pays the bills... well, some months... 
