In this video, we look at what creates atmosphere and how you can go beyond basic descriptions of setting to stir emotions, evoke sensory experiences, and communicate more than just the surface-level details. We look at ways to go beyond telling and draw your readers into the worlds and situations you created on the page.
Hello, Jane Cleland here, and the question is: “How do I communicate atmosphere that goes deeper beyond setting? In other words, I don’t want to just describe the place. I want to create the mood. How do I do that?” It’s a great question, and it’s crucial to successful writing. You need to describe the place, of course, enough so that people can see it, but you want to do that through a character’s experience of it.
Tips for Creating Atmosphere
1. Share Setting from a Character’s Point of View
The first tip I have for you is to share the setting from somebody’s point of view. Let us know how your character feels about being in this place.
2. Consider Multiple Aspects of Atmosphere
Secondly, don’t forget that atmosphere is more than just the physical locale or the time. Time and place are the two things you usually think of, but it’s also:
- Language
- Food
- Culture
- Habits
- Traditions
- How people interact with one another
Ask yourself:
- Are they isolated?
- Is there a strong sense of community?
- Are people happy to be there?
- Are people there because they have no choice?
Interesting, right? I think it’s a great question, and it’s terribly important. Best of luck with it!
