Atmosphere
Atmosphere, in my opinion, is one of the most
difficult things to grasp in writing thriller fiction. In my own preferred
genre it is perhaps a little more clear-cut as all speculative-type fiction
should be suffused with a sense of the unnatural or unknown. A kind of fearful
anticipation of what could happen or what might happen - that is beyond our
normal understanding.
But I think atmosphere is important in so many other
ways. It creates certain expectations in a reader that must then be lived up
to.
Atmosphere is created by various things. Settings
help to a large extent and so do characters themselves but also the language
used can also create atmosphere. But the atmosphere must fit with the story and
so it is something I always give a great deal of thought to before I even begin
writing.
I suppose the easiest atmosphere to imagine is a
scary one such as the type used in ghost stories. The clichéd haunted house
that creaks and moans or the fog- shrouded moor that hides dark secrets. The
hooting of owls and wild life at night - or the abnormal absence of the same!
Other types of genre fiction have their own clichés,
of course. I do believe atmosphere is closely related to the emotion you are
trying to elicit in your reader. If you wish your reader to feel anger than an
unpleasant atmosphere (or setting) will help. If you are looking for a tender
emotion then a romantic setting may help. However it is not just about setting.
A harsh factory floor can be made atmospheric and romantic with the right words
and actions.
The trick (and the challenge) is to create your own
sense of atmosphere to embed in your story, without it being clichéd. More
difficult than it seems, I feel. For atmosphere is ethereal and like beauty, is
in the eyes of the beholder ( apologies for the cliché).Do you find it easy to develop a sense of atmosphere that fits with the story/genre?
My betas have told me my setting/atmosphere descriptions pull them right in.
ReplyDeleteI quite enjoy the challenge of a setting that contrasts with the story, so the reader is hopefully drawn in by the unexpected clash. And I especially like a bit of mounting drama in an ordinary house setting, that feeling of something major happening within four walls where no one else can see...
ReplyDeleteHmm... I don't find it that difficult, but then again, atmosphere in chick lit isn't quite as palpable as it is in thrillers, I supposed. I focus more on sense of place and setting, which is usually London - and which I love! So I supposed it comes naturally, in a way.
ReplyDeleteVery good post. I don't have anything to add, but I'm bookmarking it for future reference. :)
ReplyDeleteInteresting post, Pat. Yeah, I have to agree that atmosphere is important in setting the mood. I don't know how great I am at it, but no one has complained so far. Atmosphere isn't one of my writing struggles, though.
ReplyDeleteThanks for discussing atmosphere. I hadn't really thought of it until now. :)
This is very interesting. I know I need to break out of the mold of cliches
ReplyDeleteAnother great post - thank you Pat. x
ReplyDeleteI think a scene can be more menacing the more normal the setting. I do like a spooky fog though!
ReplyDeleteGreat post. I find atmosphere to be a tough area for me in my writing. I'm too sparse in my descriptions.
ReplyDeleteOne trick I've done to help inspire myself is listening to a music that I think matches the mood / atmosphere. It helps with my pacing and word flow. Sorta like greasing the wheels. (I am a big Pandora abuser! You can pick one song that sets the mood and then Pandora will pick out others that sort of match so I end up hearing music that I might never have heard of.) Some people can't write with that kind of distraction but I write with young kids in the house and I find music on headphones less distracting that two little boys fighting over who stole whose Hot Wheel car.
ReplyDeleteThis is a post to bookmark, Pat.
ReplyDeleteI think atmosphere and setting can be quite challenging. It's so easy to go overboard with too many descriptions, and avoiding cliches is something I have to make an effort to avoid. You're right, though, that atmosphere and setting can enhance a scene, bring life to it, make it real to our readers. I love that photo! Very cool!
ReplyDeleteI think music helps with world building too. Great post.
ReplyDeleteI really struggle with bringing things OUTSIDE of my main characters. I have lots of INTERNAL atmosphere going on, lol, but always have to do a revision pass that's focused solely on setting and, you got it, atmosphere. Great post!
ReplyDeleteits such a nice & Awesum blog provide info
ReplyDeletehope more people discover your blog because you really know what you’re talking about. Can’t wait to read more from you!
for more plz visit
debt settlement plan