I have been feeling that something was off regarding the dynamics inside of my novel.

[averagewriter]

I was a seasoned reader before I decided to write my novel.

So while I was writing for the first time as a new author. I felt that something was off regarding the interactions between my characters and the dynamics. Only to realise later that I rarely put out 'sound effects' to describe characters emotions and to give some life to the scenes.

I hope that some of you can share your opinions and thoughts, about how much importance do you place on sound effects.

 

[averagewriter]

Well there are also some other problems . But lets leave it at that for now.

 

[AkalE]

I was a seasoned reader before I decided to write my novel.

So while I was writing for the first time as a new author. I felt that something was off regarding the interactions between my characters and the dynamics. Only to realise later that I rarely put out 'sound effects' to describe characters emotions and to give some life to the scenes.

I hope that some of you can share your opinions and thoughts, about how much importance do you place on sound effects.

two quick questions.

1, Seasoned reader of webfiction and tranlations or actual published work?

2. When you say sound effects, do you mean things like *cough*, *whoosh*, etc?

 

[Deleted member 29316]

I removed some of the sound effects on my work, relying instead on descriptions.

My reason is that, I wanted my work to be similar to professionally-published ones (though I don't plan on going professional).

I still retained some sound effects, like *kof (coughing) and "Ah!" and "Oh!" for blurting out emotions.

 

[averagewriter]

two quick questions.

1, Seasoned reader of webfiction and tranlations or actual published work?

2. When you say sound effects, do you mean things like *cough*, *whoosh*, etc?

Well.. translated novels and webfiction 'cough' ☺. NU reader. And for the sound effects, yeah those.

 

[AkalE]

Well.. translated novels and webfiction 'cough' ☺. NU reader. And for the sound effects, yeah those.

Well congratulations good sir. This means you do not need to change anything

 

[averagewriter]

Well congratulations good sir. This means you do not need to change anything

So.. how important do you think they are?

 

[NotaNuffian]

Well mine is just, fuck, bastard, cunt, sod off, asshole and other expletives I can come up with. Can't help it when most of my characters including MC is an asshat fuck nugget. The rest that aren't will either get corrupted or tortured to death.

I am making myself hating on writing the work. It is like I am making torture and snuff porn.

 

[AkalE]

So.. how important do you think they are?

Not really. It's only something I have seen in translations and some WN stories. Most of the good original stories seem to avoid having the sound thingy.

All the best

 

[averagewriter]

Ok thanks.

 

[Ral]

You don't really need them. That is a comics thing and doesn't really work in prose.

 

[HJ]

Sensory writing and sounds using onomatopoeia is a nice way to let the readers immerse within the story and feel as though they are in the scene and one with the character. They can also be used to set the background of the scene.

Rather than spelling out the sound, it is much better to use words with built in sound effects. Some examples of words with built in sound are

Spoiler

bang, crash, purr, huff, sizzle, pop, thud

So instead of Ahhhh!, kekeke, aachew!, boooom!, Pfeeewt,

it is much better to use screamed, coughed, sneezed, exploded, whistled.

These words work well because they both evoke the senses and the scene itself.

Here is an excerpt from one of my stories.

Spoiler

"Enough!" Henry roared. He left the room and slammed the door.

Miguel was shaken in his place. There was no hiding the terror that he felt.

This is a straight forward onomatopeia.

It is also possible to go deeper and use a subtle onomatopeia to create a sound.

Spoiler

Instead of, He walked slowly on the snow covered path.

It's better if we use, With a heavy gait, he trudged along the endless path. His boots crunched against the snow with every step.

 

[averagewriter]

interesting.. .

 

[AkalE]

Sensory writing and sounds using onomatopoeia is a nice way to let the readers immerse within the story and feel as though they are in the scene and one with the character. They can also be used to set the background of the scene.

Rather than spelling out the sound, it is much better to use words with built in sound effects. Some examples of words with built in sound are

Spoiler

bang, crash, purr, huff, sizzle, pop, thud

So instead of Ahhhh!, kekeke, aachew!, boooom!, Pfeeewt,

it is much better to use screamed, coughed, sneezed, exploded, whistled.

These words work well because they both evoke the senses and the scene itself.

Here is an excerpt from one of my stories.

Spoiler

"Enough!" Henry roared. He left the room and slammed the door.

Miguel was shaken in his place. There was no hiding the terror that he felt.

This is a straight forward onomatopeia.

It is also possible to go deeper and use a subtle onomatopeia to create a sound.

Spoiler

Instead of, He walked slowly on the snow covered path.

It's better if we use, With a heavy gait, he trudged along the endless path. His boots crunched against the snow with every step.

yeah this is the right way to do it!

 

[ForestDweller]

It's better if we use, With a heavy gait, he trudged along the endless path. His boots crunched against the snow with every step.

I wish I can write like that constantly. It's hard for me to come up with specific words like that on the top of my head.

I dunno if Thesaurus.com can be used to search that. Not to mention using "crunch" must come up from your own imagination.

 

[HJ]

Can I add something?

Many writers hate the Show. Don't tell. idea.

Imo this is just a reminder for us authors to be as helpful as we can to allow the readers to immerse in the story by encouraging them to use their own imagination.

By using appropriate descriptions we show the scene that would evoke emotions from the readers. Part of an author's job is to direct the emotion of the story through the use of sensory writing.

In a scene, think of the senses or body parts that are being stimulated.

How does it feel like to be afraid?
Skin: goosebumps, hair standing, cold sweat, cold hands or feet
Lungs/respiration: shortness of breath
Heart: rapid heart beat, strong thuds within the chest
Eyes: ... add you own example

 

[OvidLemma]

One of the things I like to do is add descriptors of character actions and reactions before bits of dialog, including sounds. This serves to add personality to the character and add all sorts of non-verbal tics or habits. It also breaks up the monotony of saying 'she said' to tag your dialog. For instance:

-Ricardo thrummed his fingers against the table. "She should have been back by now."
-Lillian huffed. "That's not what I meant."
-The captain snorted. "Three of them? That's all?"
-Their footsteps tapped down the empty hallway. "You're sure this is the right way?"

 

[Sushirollw]

I like using sound effect but not too much.
I mixed it with the descriptive sentence as well.
Well, in my opinion, it depends on how you will use that sound effect...

 

[ConTroll]

Honestly, I use all three: sound effects, descriptive writing, and onomatopoeias during conversations.

Then again, I'm a novice.

 

[averagewriter]

I revile sound effects, so I'm happy to hear you dropped them by accident.

Sorry to disappoint you, but I ended up adding some after revising the story. Not much though.