\"Writing.Com
*Magnify*
SPONSORED LINKS
BY ONLINE AUTHORS
Printed from https://writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/3761-Sound-in-Fantasy-and-Science-Fiction.html
Fantasy: May 26, 2010 Issue [#3761]

Newsletter Header
Fantasy


 This week: Sound in Fantasy and Science Fiction
  Edited by: Prosperous Snow celebrating Author IconMail Icon
                             More Newsletters By This Editor  Open in new Window.

Table of Contents

1. About this Newsletter
2. A Word from our Sponsor
3. Letter from the Editor
4. Editor's Picks
5. A Word from Writing.Com
6. Ask & Answer
7. Removal instructions

About This Newsletter

An author needs to use all five of the senses (sound, sight, touch, tastes and smell) in writing a story. This newsletter contains some thoughts on using sound in science fiction and fantasy.


Word from our sponsor

ASIN: B01IEVJVAG
Amazon's Price: $ 9.99


Letter from the editor

Outside my window, a nightingale sings. It started me thinking about the way an author uses sound to advance the plot of a story. A writer can use sound or the lack of it to indicate safety or danger. While in different areas of a city or the country, you will hear different type of animal sounds and other noises.

Birds and other animals make different noises depending on the situation. For instance, when a bird sees a cat or other predator approaching its nest it has a specific call to warn the other birds in the area. A bird that does not see danger will have a joyous or happy song.

On Earth all animals, both predators and non-predators can express emotions through the sound of their voices. If a cat or a dog meets a friend, they make one type of noise; however, when a stranger approaches these same animals growl. Sometimes these animals can detect if the person or creature approaching is a threat or a non-threat.

A writer can use sound to advance the plot of a fantasy or science fiction story. In fantasy, an author can use the sound of a bird as a good or bad omen. The calls of owls or crows are bad omens foretelling misfortune, while the calls of nightingales or doves foretell good fortune.

Mechanical equipment makes sounds as well, only in an airless environment or a soundproof room is there any lack of sound. No matter how quiet a piece of equipment, if it is running it makes some type of noise that at least on character can hear. Where atmospheres exist, sounds exist.



Editor's Picks

Stories and Poems


 science Open in new Window. (13+)
Why not? ****888****777***666
#1670778 by bob county Author IconMail Icon


 System Upgrade Open in new Window. (13+)
Benedict is building himself into the perfect human.
#1670371 by Randy Author IconMail Icon


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1669223 by Not Available.


 Reaping Open in new Window. (13+)
Resources are scarce for everyone these days.
#1671309 by JonathanJoel Author IconMail Icon


 Memory Lapse Open in new Window. (18+)
A simple, captured soldier struggles to keep a secret.
#1672486 by Andreas Author IconMail Icon


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1673199 by Not Available.


Contests and Review Forums


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1669030 by Not Available.


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1517204 by Not Available.




 
Submit an item for consideration in this newsletter!
https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form

Word from Writing.Com

Have an opinion on what you've read here today? Then send the Editor feedback! Find an item that you think would be perfect for showcasing here? Submit it for consideration in the newsletter!
         https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form

Don't forget to support our sponsor!

ASIN: 0910355479
Amazon's Price: $ 13.99


Ask & Answer

Light Author Icon writes: I was wondering, does this transformation contest accept shape-shifters? They were not covered in your description.

Jeff Author Icon writes: Best transmogrification of all time... Calvin's cardboard box "Transmogrifier" from Calvin & Hobbes. Who says you can't learn anything from comics? *Laugh*

geniusrobot writes: I like this newsletter, it is amazing and really interesting...

A thinker never sleeps Author Icon writes: On the subject of name, I choose names that are not too outlandish, but ones that are a good reflection of the character in a subtle way. Even in fantasy stories, I will often stick to more usual names to avoid the reader having to stumble difficult, unfamiliar ones, especially for the protaganist. Baby name sites are useful to check the meaning of names, or find new ones but one thing I try to remember is that sometimes John is just as powerful a name as Jax. Interesting newsletter.

LJPC - the tortoise Author Icon writes: Hi Snow! Good idea -- I bet there are writers who are going to take your challenge and run with it. *Smile* – Laura

What types of sounds do you use in your stories? How do you use them to carry the plot forward?
Prosperous Snow celebrating Author Icon



*Bullet* *Bullet* *Bullet* Don't Be Shy! Write Into This Newsletter! *Bullet* *Bullet* *Bullet*

This form allows you to submit an item on Writing.Com and feedback, comments or questions to the Writing.Com Newsletter Editors. In some cases, due to the volume of submissions we receive, please understand that all feedback and submissions may not be responded to or listed in a newsletter. Thank you, in advance, for any feedback you can provide!
Writing.Com Item ID To Highlight (Optional):

Send a comment or question to the editor!
Limited to 2,500 characters.
Word from our sponsor
ASIN: B085272J6B
Product Type: Kindle Store
Amazon's Price: $ 9.99

Removal Instructions

To stop receiving this newsletter, click here for your newsletter subscription list. Simply uncheck the box next to any newsletter(s) you wish to cancel and then click to "Submit Changes". You can edit your subscriptions at any time.


Printed from https://writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/3761-Sound-in-Fantasy-and-Science-Fiction.html