How to Set the Mood

I've been trying to get more and more practice setting the mood of a scene and making it as sad or as scary as I picture it. For me, I can describe everything that's happening, but I have trouble going that little extra step to truly set the feeling and mood of the scene. How do you set the mood? Are there key words that you use?

I think the way to setting the mood is really your diction, or word choice. Every word to me has a mood and to create the mood you use the words that fit it in. For example if you had a dark or scary setting, you wouldn't say, the girl skipped across the street. You might say the girl stumbled across the street, because, the word skip has an impression of being happy while stumble does not. Of course that was a simple example and there are probably better words than that.
Also, I think what is really important is imagery. The more the reader can see, the more they will get into the mood. So lots of descriptive words. Especially those that fit into the mood. Like eerie, haunting, gloomy or whatever.
Sorry, I don't know if I explained that right, but I hope it helps! :-)

ok so mood.

As imaginary said, your words set a mood

Every scene has to be looked at like a picture, as you type a word your adding a stroke of a brush or the glide of a pencil. You have to make things flow smoothly in a way that not only shows what you want it to, but doesn't try to cram things inside it that will make it bumpy and studdery. You want the reader to be able to read the words like they were tracing the fine lines in a wood carving. Words are a craft, mood is a mastery.

I don't think i really explained it so if you have even more questions now i'm sorry

Yes, that was exactly what I was trying to say. Only you explained it way better!! I like the metaphors!

No, Angela. I actually completely understood what you said. You have to make it smooth, still getting the point across without disturbing the flow. You have to paint the picture without any distractions. :3 I like how you described it.

I'm glad you guys understood what the heck i meant! and i'm glad it helped =] That's how i see it, and since i'm into art and stuff that's how i figured it out myself soooo yeah haha

Akurei has a poetic way of saying it. But she is right. Though it is difficult to do precisely as she, in her complete and utter knowledge of the subject, it is possible to paint a picture the way she says.

though what do i know. I only draw bubble people. I don't know how to paint them :]

Ah the eyes, once said to be the gateway to the soul...or window....whichever seems more clear. Close your eyes and let the world inside of your mind unfould into a shimmering reflection of your inner desires and dreams that fuel your wildest ambitions. Simplly, close your eyes and live in the world you have created for yourself. Next, your diction shall be your ambrosial guide to your writing career.


Sage Techno

The sad song of violins press against you in their whine as if whispering in sorrow at your late departure. Leave your past dreams and know you have done well though small tears may drip from your eyes and sparkling rain clouds the path before you in a misted hiss. Step by step you sink into a bottomless pit of options. the world around pulling you into the tunnels forcing you in place on way or another. shall you fight for your wishes or be glided past such and into the misery of passions last embrace as you kneel down and give in to what the world around you wishes.