 Fantasy: May 26, 2010 Issue [#3761] |
  Fantasy
This week: Sound in Fantasy and Science Fiction Edited by: Prosperous Snow celebrating  
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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. |
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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.
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Light  writes: I was wondering, does this transformation contest accept shape-shifters? They were not covered in your description.
Jeff  writes: Best transmogrification of all time... Calvin's cardboard box "Transmogrifier" from Calvin & Hobbes. Who says you can't learn anything from comics? 
geniusrobot writes: I like this newsletter, it is amazing and really interesting...
A thinker never sleeps  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 writes: Hi Snow! Good idea -- I bet there are writers who are going to take your challenge and run with it.  – Laura
What types of sounds do you use in your stories? How do you use them to carry the plot forward?
Prosperous Snow celebrating
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