When it comes to writing, tone is something that usually gets overlooked doesn’t it? We usually talk about voice and style and how the author comes forth through her narration to show herself through the words. That is voice yes, but proper tone is the thing that hooks readers.
Tone is the attitude. It is what the writer feels towards the hefty narration that she is carrying. If she wants the reader to feel subdued, she’ll use verb choice to show that she has a view of the writing that is calmer, more reserved. If she wants to rile the reader, she’ll use word choice and syntax that conveys some aggression, something scintillating that shows the piece needs to be taken in a barbarous way in order to feel what is truly what is trying to be conveyed.
Tone is about attitude. It is the underlying current of the writer’s voice that leads the reader into the way in which the story should be taken. Seriously? Somberly? Ecstatically? Verbosely? That is tone.
In order to convey proper tone word choice, grammar and syntax all should intertwine with each other to mesh a beautiful symphony of words that leads the writer’s audience to live in the place that is harmonious with the under current of the story and its theme.
In order to convey proper tone, certain measures should be taken.
Find What Is Important
Decipher what it is that you want the reader to feel and assimilate within themselves with regards to the narration and story. For goodness sake, if the story is about love and romance and finding and discovering it, don’t write about something savage. Write calmly and with feminine nurture.
Find Your Atmosphere
Tone and atmosphere go hand in hand. Atmosphere is highly evocative, using sensory detail to bring about the emotion that is fitting with the story. We all know the story that is bland and so dull because the atmosphere wasn’t approached with appreciation. So blah and therefore the writing lacks attitude behind the words. Can we please find grammar and syntax that evokes something scintillating and lets our temerity in writing shine through? Lets.
The metaphor.
The simile.
The kenning.
The analogy.
People, they’re all at your disposal. Use them and continue at the writing’s behest.
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