present tense

When you write in present tense, it might get rather confusing and hard. This is a mere example - I'm sure you could do better than me, but this is just a simple thing to look at, in case one is stuck.

I walk towards the crowded streets, and smile to myself. This looks very splendid and gay. Hm, I wonder where I shall walk next!

For an instance, take the word "wonder". If you were writing in past tense, this would say "wondered". And if you were writing in future-tense, you would, perhaps, white down - "will wonder". You see, your words may change tremendously if you are not sure in what tense you are writing, and it may become rather complicated.
I was walking when you saw me, and I smiled.

This is past tense. You may have to identify some words by saying them out-loud or inside your head. If you get mixed up, then just try again!

But really, what IS present tense?
Present tense is when - let's say  - you are writing your novel, and your character is walking down the street. Remember - present tense is when your character is walking, past tense is was walking, and future tense might be will be walking.
In present tense, something is happening RIGHT AT THIS MOMENT. It cannot be two years ago - not two seconds ago, either. You cannot say: I am walking in the lovely park, when I saw a tiny, barking pug. I smile at the pug, then I will turn around and I will walk the other way because I am scared of dogs.
What's wrong with that?!
Well, you see - this is a mix of the three tenses. The three tenses really are devilish, and the way I handle them is by reading books - dark fantasy, non-fiction, country-style books, mystery books, normal-life books, books about polar bear snakes. Whatever! Books written in the early twentieth century - let's say, 1900, or books in 2018. Just read books!!!!
And if you do, the tenses will flow right to you, and will obey you - you must become the person that they shall obey, whatever your heart pleases to write.