Writing Tip: Creating Atmosphere
As a reader, I love when a book fully immerses me, and atmosphere is a key component to that immersion. And it’s not just about the literal setting… it’s so much more than that! Atmosphere in storytelling is like the vibe at a party—it’s what sets the mood and pulls us in, making us feel everything. It’s not just about where the story takes place, but how it makes us feel as we’re reading. When done right, atmosphere becomes this almost magical element that stays with us long after we’ve finished the book.
What Is Atmosphere?
Atmosphere is that emotional vibe you get from a story, created by the setting, tone, and all those little details that engage our senses. It’s what makes us feel like we’re actually there, whether we’re exploring a creepy mansion, grabbing a coffee in a bustling city, or sipping cocktails in a jazz lounge. When the atmosphere is spot-on, it’s like the story has a life of its own, and we’re totally along for the ride. It’s all about the feelings it conjures.
Why Focus on Atmosphere?
So, why is atmosphere such a big deal? Because it’s what makes a story more than just words on a page. It takes us from being a passive reader to someone who’s fully immersed in the world the author has created. A strong atmosphere can make a setting feel like a character in its own right, adding depth and meaning to everything that happens. Atmosphere can make or break a book, so as writers and storytellers, we must pay attention to these elements! Literally, I don’t even know how many book reviews I’ve watched where the reviewer rated it highly (3-5 stars) even though “It’s all vibe, no plot”. That’s how essential it is.
What Makes Up Atmosphere?
Setting Description: Think of the setting as the backdrop of my story’s vibe. The sights, sounds, smells, and textures all contribute to the overall mood. The words I choose to describe a place are the foundation on which the rest of it will be built, so I try to make sure it’s a strong one.
Tone and Mood: The atmosphere is closely tied to the tone and mood of the story. Is it light and playful, or dark and mysterious? The language, dialogue, and voice all help set the emotional tone. What we expect from an underground dance club is wildly different than a stroll through a meadow in spring. Every word we choose should reflect the tone and mood we’re going for.
Weather and Seasons: Ever notice how a storm can make a scene feel tense or a sunny day can make everything seem happier? Weather and seasonal elements are powerful tools for adding emotional layers to your story’s atmosphere.
Character Interactions: How your characters act and react within the setting also shapes the atmosphere. Whether it’s tension between characters, a tender moment, or someone feeling totally alone, these interactions add to the emotional landscape we’re trying to build for our readers.
Symbolic Imagery: This is where things get deep. Symbolic imagery—like a recurring object, color, or motif—adds an extra layer of meaning to the atmosphere. It’s the subtext that gives readers something to hold onto. For the book I queried this year, one recurring atmospheric symbol was stars. They’re bright and beautiful but also intense and destructive. They give life… until they collapse and take everything with them.
How to Create Atmosphere
Show, Don’t Tell: Instead of telling readers what the atmosphere is, let them feel it through vivid descriptions and character experiences. The more you can paint the picture, the more immersive the atmosphere will be. I know it’s a common bit of writing advice, but it truly is impossible to create an atmospheric story by telling the reader about it. We have to show it if we want them to feel it. So instead of saying the mansion was creepy, describe the creaking floorboards, cold breeze, looming gargoyle statues, and strange ticking clock sound coming from somewhere in the shadowed corner.
Keep the Tone Consistent: Whatever mood you’re going for, stick with it. A sudden shift in atmosphere can pull readers out of the story. Keep the emotional tone aligned with the story’s overall vibe.
Leave Room for Imagination: Give readers enough detail to set the mood, but leave some things to their imagination. When readers get to fill in the gaps, they become more emotionally invested in the atmosphere you’ve created.
Play with Perspective: The point of view can seriously affect the atmosphere. First-person narration can make things feel more personal and immediate, while third-person can offer a broader, more detailed look at the atmospheric elements in play. Choose what works best for your particular story.
At the end of the day, atmosphere is what turns a good story into an unforgettable one. By understanding the elements of atmosphere and using them to engage our reader’s senses and emotions, we can create a world that feels real and alive. Atmosphere is like the soundtrack to our story—it sets the tone, shapes how readers perceive everything, and leaves a lasting impression. In fact, I often create a playlist of songs which match the mood of my overall story, as well as certain scenes, to have on in the background as I write.
If you’re looking for some great, atmospheric reads in the fantasy genre, I’d like to recommend:
Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness
Circe by Madeline Miller
Good Omens by Terry Pratchett
Silver in the Wood by Emily Tesh
Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir
A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Scwab
Practical Potions and Premeditated Murder by Wren Jones
Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones
Light From Uncommon Stars by Ryka Aoki
The Fifth Season by N. K. Jemisin
A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers
Happy reading and writing!
