: Re: Setting the mood? I need my characters to be in an intense fight, the cliche "wind blowing and storms in the background" stuff. I want to know how to properly set the mood for this scene,

@Pope4766717

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One way I like to use to find words to describe a scene/mood is imagining that scene like it were a movie. Observe each shot, each frame. What is happening? Ask yourself as many questions as possible, and write down those answers in form of a description.

Some examples:
What are the characters' stances? Are they standing straight, crouching, etc.?
What are they doing? Are they glaring at their opponent? Are they observing their environment to see what they could take advantage of once the battle starts?
What is their footing like? Is the ground muddy because of the rain? Are they near water?
Is something happening to the characters? Are their faces reddening from anger?
What are they thinking about?
Are there any bystanders? What are they doing?
How is the weather affecting the environment? Are trees falling down, or is the wind just making the branches rustle a bit?
Are there any sounds that the characters might hear? Loud or quiet? None at all?

There are so many things you could say about a scene. Try your best to envision it like you were watching it in a movie theatre, and describe what you're seeing. These descriptions, depending on length and content can really define the tone of the scene, and the speed of the pace. Long, descriptive descriptions slow down the pace and build tension. Scarce description and active verbs quicken the pace and make the event feel more intense.

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