why it use "wanted",or not "want"
i read a book."classes dont begin until Monday morning,and this is Saturday night .But i wanted to write a letter first just to get acquainted." from DADDY -LONG -LEGS.

Question

why it  use "wanted",or not  "want"
i read a book."classes dont begin until Monday morning,and this is Saturday night .But i wanted to write a letter first just to get acquainted."  from DADDY -LONG -LEGS.

Answer

Wanted is past tense, want is present tense.  Which one you use depends on when you wanted to write the letter.  If the desire was in the past, then use "wanted", otherwise use "want" for the present.

Answer

It's in the past tense. The writer is reflecting on events.