I always thought tone was just 'formal' or 'informal.' Then I stumbled across a list of tone types and my mind was officially blown. There are dozens! Formal, informal, optimistic, pessimistic, joyful, sad, sincere, hypocritical, fearful, hopeful, humorous, serious — and that's just the beginning.
In fiction, you might use a suspenseful tone in one chapter and a tender tone in the next. In nonfiction, you might be authoritative in one section and encouraging in another. The key is making sure shifts feel intentional, not accidental. My creative writing professor explained that while tone can vary, there should be an overall consistent tone for your piece.
Now when I write, I actually name my intended tone at the top of the page ('hopeful but realistic' or 'curious and reflective') and check each paragraph against it. Such a simple trick, but it keeps me focused!
In fiction, you might use a suspenseful tone in one chapter and a tender tone in the next. In nonfiction, you might be authoritative in one section and encouraging in another. The key is making sure shifts feel intentional, not accidental. My creative writing professor explained that while tone can vary, there should be an overall consistent tone for your piece.
Now when I write, I actually name my intended tone at the top of the page ('hopeful but realistic' or 'curious and reflective') and check each paragraph against it. Such a simple trick, but it keeps me focused!
