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Writing is about more than scrawling words on a page. It’s about transporting your readers to another world, immersing them in your narrative, and making them feel like they are a part of the story.
One of the most powerful tools at your disposal as a writer is the ability to set the right atmosphere for your stories. Let’s explore how to do just that.
Set the Scene
Begin by establishing the physical environment where your story unfolds. This step goes beyond mere descriptions; it’s about making the reader feel the world you’ve created.
Instead of simply stating facts, use sensory details to paint a vivid picture. For example, if you’re describing a forest, don’t just say, “The forest was dark and windy.” Instead, try something like “The ancient copse of trees cast long, eerie shadows, and the wind whispered through their leaves.”
Note that the above is an instance of “Show, don’t tell.” But you still need a way to show your readers, which means filtering descriptive details through …
Characters’ Perspective
Consider your characters’ viewpoints. How do they perceive the world around them? The atmosphere should be filtered through their senses and emotions. If your protagonist is anxious, describe the setting in a way that amplifies that anxiety. If he is in awe, make his surroundings seem breathtaking. Show how the setting affects your characters.
And don’t hesitate to let your characters show each other how the atmosphere affects them through …
Dialogue and Interaction
Effective use of dialogue can help set the atmosphere in your story. The way characters speak to each other, the tone they use, and the words they choose can all contribute to the overall ambiance.
For instance, if you want to convey a tense atmosphere, have characters exchange terse, clipped sentences. In contrast, a jovial atmosphere can be portrayed through lighthearted banter.
Of course, there’s something to be said for subtext.
Foreshadowing and Symbolism
Subtle hints and symbols can be used to foreshadow events and set the tone for your story. Instead of explicitly stating what will happen, plant clues that create an atmosphere of anticipation or mystery. Symbolism, like a recurring motif or object, can add depth to your story’s atmosphere and give readers something to ponder.
As atmospheric writing master Dean Koontz says, “Stained glass windows don’t have subtitles.”
Emotionally Charged Word Choice
The words you choose can have a significant impact on the atmosphere. Utilize emotionally charged language to evoke feelings in your readers. Instead of saying “She was sad,” you can write “Sorrow drew tears from her eyes.” This approach not only describes the emotion but also immerses the reader in it.
And the key to immersion is …
Consistency and Pacing
Maintain consistency in your writing style and atmosphere throughout your story. Sudden shifts in tone or atmosphere can jolt readers out of the narrative. Also, pay attention to pacing; the rhythm of your prose can greatly affect the atmosphere. Slow, introspective passages can create a contemplative mood, while fast-paced action scenes can generate excitement.
And to make sure it’s working, you need …
Feedback and Revision
Last but not least, don’t be afraid to seek feedback from others to guide revisions of your work. A fresh pair of eyes can spot inconsistencies or areas where the atmosphere could be improved. Be open to constructive criticism, and be willing to refine your writing to create the desired atmosphere.
As an award-winning horror author, writing atmospheric scenes is my specialty. And as a pro editor, I’m happy to help my author clients set just the right atmosphere for their stories. Let me help you make your good writing great. Reach out now.
I started reading your “Soul Cycle” book and a moment stood out to me when the heroes encounter a spirit of some kind whose voice was described as a glacier breaking (or something to that effect, don’t have my kindle near me to check). I found it a very evocative way of describing the voice,
I personally struggle to describe voices or sounds without it being very “telling.” Is using metaphor or describing it effect it has on the listener the only good way to do it?
Running into that problem is one of few justifications for using a dialog tag other than “said” or “asked”. Depending on the vocal quality you want to convey, you could use “breathed”, “rasped”, “crooned”, etc. But I’d only use it the first time the character in question speaks.