How to Write Sounds in a Story: Creating a Lively Experience

how do you write sounds in a story
by David Harris // January 23  

Writing sounds in a story can be tricky, yet drawing readers into the world created demands attention to auditory detail. Layering auditory details enriches your story, inviting the audience to visualize and experience the surroundings more vividly. Simply stating that it’s “quiet” or “loud” isn’t enough; to truly engage readers, you need to incorporate sound descriptively. How do you effectively write sounds in a story?

Answer: Focus on evoking sensory experiences through descriptive language, sound effects, and integrating sound into your narrative.

Here’s a guide to help you write sounds in a story effectively:

  1. Identify the Purpose of Sound in Your Scene
  2. Choose Descriptive Language
  3. Use Onomatopoeia Wisely
  4. Create an Atmosphere with Sounds
  5. Integrate Sounds into Action
  6. Consider Character Reactions to Sounds

Guide to Write Sounds in a Story

1. Identify the Purpose of Sound in Your Scene

Before you dive into writing sounds, ask yourself: Why is sound important in this scene? The purpose could range from creating tension to establishing a setting.

Example: Imagine a scene set in a haunted house. Instead of just saying, “It was noisy, you could set the stage by considering all the subtle sounds: creaking floorboards, howling winds, and distant whispers. Knowing the purpose will guide how you describe these sounds.

Actionable Tip: Make a list of sounds that could enhance your scene and discuss how each sound contributes to the mood or emotion.

2. Choose Descriptive Language

Once you’ve identified the sounds, the next step is choosing words that illustrate those sounds vibrantly. Describe not only the sound itself but also its quality, volume, and speed. This technique paints a fuller auditory picture for the reader.

Example: Instead of saying, “The door creaked, consider, “The old wooden door groaned softly on its rusty hinges, echoing through the dim hallway. This descriptive language intensifies the atmosphere and places the reader right at the scene.

Actionable Tip: Use similes and metaphors to compare sounds to more familiar experiences. For instance, “The thunder rumbled like an angry giant in the distance.”

3. Use Onomatopoeia Wisely

Onomatopoeia refers to words mimicking the sounds they represent, such as “bang,“whisper, or “buzz. These words can quickly convey an auditory experience and engage your reader’s imagination.

Pros and Cons of Onomatopoeia:

  • Pros: It provides immediacy and can make action scenes more thrilling.
  • Cons: Overuse can feel childish or distracting; it must be used thoughtfully.

Example: Instead of merely stating, “The gun fired, you could say, “The gun erupted with a deafening ‘bang!‘” This example not only illustrates the sound but also conveys the intensity of the moment.

Actionable Tip: Have a selective approach when using onomatopoeia. Choose sounds that add to the texture of your writing, but avoid overloading your narrative with them.

4. Create an Atmosphere with Sounds

Sounds can greatly influence the atmosphere of your story. Use them to evoke particular emotions or feelings within the scene.

Example: In a peaceful scene, you might write, “The gentle rolling of the waves created a soothing rhythm, as seagulls called in the distance. The sounds are both calming and evocative, enhancing the serene experience for the reader.

Potential Pitfalls: Be cautious not to clutter your scenes with too many competing sounds, which can confuse the reader. Find a balance where the sounds contribute without overwhelming.

Actionable Tip: Consider the character’s perspective. How would the character perceive the sounds in their environment? A nervous character may focus on unsettling sounds, while a carefree character might only notice joyful ones.

5. Integrate Sounds into Action

Sounds should feel like an organic part of the action happening in your story. Don’t just drop sound descriptions randomly; make them integral to the narrative flow.

Example: Instead of writing, “She hit the table, and it made a noise, consider, “With a resounding ‘thunk, she slammed her hand on the table, drawing everyone’s attention. The sound becomes part of the action itself, highlighting a moment of intensity.

Best Practices: Use sounds to signal changes or transitions in a scene, like the explosion of a bomb or the soft chime of a clock striking midnight.

Actionable Tip: When you have a pivotal moment in your story, think about what sounds would highlight the significance of that moment.

6. Consider Character Reactions to Sounds

Incorporating characters’ responses to sounds can deepen the reader’s connection to the story. What do the characters hear, and how does it affect them? This approach adds a personal layer to the auditory experience.

Example: “As the thunder cracked overhead, Sarah flinched, her heart racing. The last storm had brought down the old oak tree in their yard, and the thought sent a chill down her spine. Here, the character’s reaction to the sound of thunder provides context and emotional depth.

Actionable Tip: Create dialogue or internal thoughts that reflect how each character perceives the sounds. A skeptic might dismiss eerie sounds as nothing, while a believer could interpret them as supernatural.

Advanced Techniques for Sound Writing

Use Layered Sound Descriptions

Combine different sounds to create a more intricate auditory experience. Layering sounds can enhance realism and texture in your writing.

Example: “In the bustling marketplace, vendors shouted their prices, children laughed and squealed, and the honking of cars blended with the distant rhythm of drums.”

Actionable Tip: When writing complex scenes, try to include at least three layered sounds to create a more dynamic and rich atmosphere.

Manipulate Sound Perception

Sometimes, a character’s perception can differ from reality. Deliberately mislead the reader through the character’s interpretation of sounds to create suspense or intrigue.

Example: “David heard a rustling in the bushes, his heart thudding in his chest; he imagined a wild animal lurking just out of sight. But as he inched closer, it turned out to be just the wind shifting the leaves.”

Best Practices: Use evocative language to establish an intense atmosphere but provide closure or revelation later in the scene.

Experiment with Sound Scenarios

For added creativity, consider inventing unique sound scenarios that fit your world. This technique can set your story apart.

Example: In a sci-fi story, you might describe the hum of an energy field as “a low, vibrating drone that seemed to resonate with the very bones of the ship, which helps create a distinct setting.

Actionable Tip: Create a sound dictionary specific to your world. Jot down different sounds unique to your environment, culture, or technology.

Prototypes to Inspire

To provide a visual understanding of how you can apply these strategies, consider this prototype excerpt demonstrating layered sounds and character reactions:

As the sun slipped beneath the horizon, casting shadows across the forest, the symphony of the evening began. The crickets produced a steady serenade while the distant call of an owl echoed like a warning. Emma shivered, recalling the tales old Mr. Hawkins told about the woods at night. With each whooo from the depths, her heart raced, teetering on the edge of excitement and fear. She had to remind herself that the real danger lay in the dark, not the sounds themselves.”

This excerpt combines varied sounds, adds how characters respond, and uses detailed language to paint a lively picture.

Common Issues When Writing Sounds in a Story

When writing sounds in a story, it can often become tricky to convey the right emotion or action. Here are some common issues and how to fix them:

1. Problem: Sounds don’t match the action.

When describing a character slamming a door, simply saying “the door slammeddoesn’t evoke enough imagery. Instead, illustrate the sound with more detail. For instance, write, “The door crashed shut, echoing through the hallway like a thunderstorm. This approach adds both a visual and auditory layer that enhances the scene.

2. Problem: Overusing generic sound descriptors.

Using words like “loud or “soft repeatedly can dull the impact of your writing. If you want to describe a character’s scream, rather than saying, She screamed loudly, opt for something like, Her scream pierced the air, sharp and sudden like glass shattering on the tile. This approach not only differentiates the sound but adds a vivid sensory experience for the reader.

3. Problem: Missing the emotion behind the sound.

Sounds are often tied to emotions, but they can fall flat if not connected to the characters’ feelings. If a character is surprised, think beyond he gasped. Instead, try “he inhaled sharply, the breath catching in his throat, as if the wind had been knocked out of him. This approach makes the sound feel personal and tied to the character’s experience.

4. Problem: Inconsistent sound descriptions.

Sound descriptions can be inconsistent if they vary too much within a scene, creating a confusing atmosphere. For example, if you’ve decided that the dinner party is filled with soft jazz music, maintain that tone. Instead of saying, “The music blared, stick with something like, “The gentle notes flowed through the room, wrapping everyone in a cozy embrace. This consistency helps establish a clear atmosphere.

5. Problem: Sounds that don’t fit the setting.

When setting a scene, it’s crucial to ensure that sounds match the environment. If your story is set in a tranquil forest, don’t describe the roaring of a crowd. Instead, write about “the soft rustle of leaves and the distant chirping of crickets. Anchoring sounds to the setting grounds the reader and brings the environment to life.

6. Problem: Forgetting texture and rhythm.

Sounds can have texture and rhythm that enrich a reader’s experience. For example, if you’re describing a rainstorm, instead of saying “it was raining, try “the rain tapped a frantic rhythm on the roof, like a thousand tiny drummers marching in unison. This approach adds not just a visual aspect but creates a sensory rhythm that can elevate the writing.

7. Problem: Sounds that disrupt the flow.

Sometimes, sound descriptions can interrupt the narrative flow. If you have already established a serene setting but then throw in a loud noise haphazardly, it can jolt a reader out of the moment. To address this, introduce the sound more gradually, like “A distant rumble turned into a sudden crash, pulling the characters back to reality. This approach allows the sound to feel like a natural part of the story’s progression.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Related to How Do You Write Sounds In A Story

Q. What is sound writing in a story?
A. Sound writing is the use of descriptive words to help readers imagine the sounds happening in a scene.

Q. Why is it important to include sounds in my writing?
A. Including sounds makes the story more vivid and helps readers feel like they are really in the moment.

Q. How can I describe a loud car horn?
A. You can write, “The car blasted its horn, a sharp, jarring beep that echoed through the quiet street.”

Q. What are onomatopoeia words?
A. Onomatopoeia words are words that sound like their meaning, like “buzz,“hiss, or “bang.”

Q. Can I use dialogue to convey sound?
A. Yes! You can have characters react to sounds or describe what they hear in their conversations.

Q. How can I make a sound description more emotional?
A. You can tie the sound to a character’s feelings. For example, “The thunderclap struck like a wild beast, sending shivers down her spine.”

Q. Should I use sound descriptions all the time?
A. No, it’s best to use them sparingly. Too many descriptions can distract readers from the main action or emotion.

Q. Can I mix visuals and sounds?
A. Absolutely! Combining sounds with visuals creates a richer experience. For example, “The leaves rustled gently, whispering secrets in the cool breeze.”

Q. How do I decide what sounds to include?
A. Think about what sounds would be present in the scene and which ones are important to the mood or action of your story.

Q. Can I use sound to help set the scene?
A. Yes! Noises like birds chirping or a clock ticking can set the scene and provide context to the story’s setting.

Conclusion

Writing sounds in a story adds an exciting layer to your narrative. Use vivid descriptions to help readers picture the auditory experience. Sounds can create mood, build tension, or enhance action, making your story come alive. Remember to think about what sounds are important to your scenes, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different words. By practicing and refining your skills in writing sounds, you can make your storytelling even more engaging. So, grab your pen and start adding some noise to your next story!

Disclaimer: This article provides valuable insights into writing sounds in a story, helping readers enhance their narrative skills. To deepen your understanding, explore Purdue Online Writing Lab’s guidance on descriptive writing. This resource, alongside our content, will enrich your writing experience. By embracing these tools, you’ll master the art of bringing stories to life with vivid sound descriptions, elevating your storytelling capabilities.

About the Author

David Harris is a content writer at Adazing with 20 years of experience navigating the ever-evolving worlds of publishing and technology. Equal parts editor, tech enthusiast, and caffeine connoisseur, he’s spent decades turning big ideas into polished prose. As a former Technical Writer for a cloud-based publishing software company and a Ghostwriter of over 60 books, David’s expertise spans technical precision and creative storytelling. At Adazing, he brings a knack for clarity and a love of the written word to every project—while still searching for the keyboard shortcut that refills his coffee.