SOUND —–The tone of a person’s voice can provoke a rainbow of emotions. A deep voice can make us feel grounded whereas a high pitched screech can put us on edge. Experiment the next time you are watching a television show or movie. Close your eyes and try to picture the person from the tone of their voice. The same can happen when you are writing setting. If you add music in your scene what instruments are being used, do they blend together, or fight each other? Does the music fit the rhythm of your book, or feel out of place? Or is the out of place music making a point?
Why do some sounds make us feel calm, while others grate on our nerves like fingernails on a blackboard? If a baby cries, we know they are in stress and we come to their aid. But why can that same cry also be annoying if we hear it in a restaurant or on a crowded plane?
Maybe because we human beings are complicated. Sound, like the other senses, evoke memories. But not everyone enjoys the same music. When writing your novel go the next step. Instead of adding random noise, consider how sound affects your characters. To see this in action, all you have to do is pay attention to the music during a movie or play. The music helps set the mood.
What type of music is your main character’s favorite?
Have a great day writing, Pam
