The Atmosphere Architects: Crafting Setting and Mood

Picture a forest. Now read these two descriptions: (A) 'The trees stood close together, their branches tangled overhead, blocking every trace of light. Somewhere deep in the darkness, something cracked.' (B) 'Sunlight filtered through the leaves in long golden shafts. Birdsong drifted from branch to branch, filling the air with warmth.' Same setting — a forest — but the feelings they create are completely different. One unsettles you; one relaxes you. How does a writer do that? That is exactly what this lesson is about.