Are you drawn to the tone of a novel as much as I am? It’s something I pay particular attention to when writing or reading a novel. The tone sets the mood. It’s there when you don’t think it is. Tone often tells me what kind of a novel I will be reading. Tone is so important to a story that it requires more scrutiny.

Every genre of novel must set a tone. Some books require levity and comedy. There’s light comedy and black comedy. Other stories require little to no comedy, like intense horror movies or psychological thrillers where comedy would take away from the reader’s visceral experience. Comedy can be done in these circumstances, but when it happens it must be done properly, and it must come at the right time so as not to ruin the overall tone of the story.

Tone changes from character to character, which is why many writing manuals and teachers shy away from multiple POVs within a chapter. If not done well, the tone can be scattered and inconsistent, and leave readers confused. But experienced writers know how to navigate this technique. In the book I’m currently reading, the writer does this technique frequently, and in a way that gives the reader multiple perspectives, much more quickly. It’s impressive when done right. Rules are made to be broken, but only if you know your craft well enough to keep the tone of the story consistent. Of course, being a New York bestselling author allows a writer to break rulers. But great writing can overcome any rules meant to constrain it.

Tone requires strict discipline. It’s knowing the mood and pace, and when to hold back certain things.

Some books are tone deaf, loose and flabby, and all over the place. You can feel that something is off while reading it. Sometimes it’s apparent and sometimes not so much. It may be that one character is throwing off the tone. Or multiple characters. Too many mood changes. Emotions run rampant. Clunky and uneven dialogue. Or the writing gets in the way because it’s overwritten and over-explained, bogged down description.

Sometimes chapters within a novel can be short and then too long. It’s jarring when this happen. Inconsistent lengths can affect the pace and tone. Some chapters contain too much exposition juxtaposed next to chapters that are dialogue intensive. When things feel unbalanced, that’s bad tone.

Side characters that go on too long can affect the tone. Characters that speak and act differently from the previous chapters. Characters doing or saying things that are out of character for them. Characters who are racist or bigots can turn a reader off, even if they are villains. A good author can get away with this kind of thing and keep the tone consistent, but it’s a skilled author who can navigate these tricky dilemmas. You can have characters say offensive things, but you can’t allow the reader to be offended or they’ll put the book down and never pick it up again.

Tone means that things should be in their place. You can’t put humor in a riveting, heart-pounding scene where it ruins the tension. Or comedy in a heartfelt scene where a beloved character is dying. Well, you can, but it needs to be done with skill and much care.

Satire has a much different tone than realism. Fantasy has its own world building laws. So does science fiction. Some genres like romance require a tone that’s familiar to readers of that genre. A familiar pattern so to speak. Comfort in repetition. Cussing and gory scenes don’t fit into cozies. Mysteries cannot have supernatural natural endings that neatly wrap everything up and deny the reader the pleasure of seeing how everything came together. An ending that comes out of nowhere robs the reader of the reading experience.

I constantly think of tone when I read and write. It consumes me when I’m working on a novel, and also when I’m reading one. I think all good readers and writers do this, either consciously or subconsciously. Do you? Let me know what your thoughts are on tone.

And remember: Watch Your Tone!

Have a great November and Thanksgiving!

Best,

Joe