Computer Screen Light

With today's technology, almost every house or office has a computer. A darkened computer screen, a screen saver, the lit desk top—what's on the screen will show how long it's been since someone sat using the computer. Again it's detail that shows the reader information rather than telling them it had been hours since someone touched the keyboard. 

In fact, if your scene has a burglar in the house and the computer screen shows a bright screen with an email called up but no one in the room—the burglar should know someone is in the house. Even if the burglar doesn't put those pieces together, the reader will figure it out. 

Light from the computer screen can also be used to introduce a character as it reflects on their face. Along with physical features, the light can show emotions in the eyes, the furrow of the brow deepening with concentration, the sheen of perspiration and insight into what they are working on and why. 

Spotlight

A spotlight works much the same way as a searchlight, but instead of being used to look for someone or something, its purpose is to highlight a person, place or thing. If your character loves attention, they will flourish in the spotlight. However, if your character is an introvert, their reaction to being in the spotlight will highlight this character trait. 

Beacon

A lighthouse offers a persistent beacon providing guidance and hope during a storm, or to help people get their bearings as a landmark when they have lost their way. A beacon can be used to foreshadow things to come. 

Sunlight and Moonlight

The use of sunlight and moonlight in a scene shows the time of day, the passing of time, and if you play with clouds and shifting skies, it can foreshadow things to come. 

Sunlight and moonlight can also introduce your character's location. If sunbeams slice through a canopy of fall foliage we find the character under the trees. But if moonbeams sun leak through half-closed blinds onto the bed, we see the character in a bedroom. It's a natural way to make a transition to a new location. 

Sunlight is also a great tool to add conflict or suspense to a plot. In a desert scene, the sun can be the enemy. The glare can play tricks with the eyes. If the sun is the power source for a futuristic city and fallout from a volcano blankets the sky with ash, readers understand the problem as characters scramble to come up with a solution. 

A setting or rising sun provides a transition from one scene to another. It shows the time of day, makes a perfect romantic backdrop, offers clues for the coming weather and…well the possibilities are endless. 

Lightning

How many movies have you watched that include a torrential rainstorm that flashed into existence with no forewarning? That makes for a bad movie and bad writing. Lightning and distant thunder foreshadows the coming storm. Staccato bursts of light increase tension, and offer the reader quick bits of information as the flash of light shines on just what the reader needs to see. 

Headlights

Headlights travel along a winding, dark road. They tell a story. If only one headlight is working—why? Or is it a motorcycle? If the headlights hit a bend in a road what does the character see? Or if the headlights disappear around that bend—now all that's visible are taillights diminishing and blinking out of existence. 

If your character is in the vehicle, the headlights offer a limited view of what's ahead. Fog, snow and rain limit the range even more. Dimming headlights indicate a low battery, alternator problems or other mechanical symptoms that lead to a breakdown. We know the character is in trouble The use of headlights can create a sense of hope or despair. 

Darkness

Lack of light shows something too. In fact, as I said earlier no light will allow you to see nothing. So be sure to include at least a little light on a dark night if you expect your characters and readers to see anything. 

When using light in your writing, think of yourself as the director of a movie. You want to create mood, atmosphere, raise tension, foreshadow, show horror, mystery and all the other elements that make for an interesting scene. Without light—there is no scene. For the writer, learn to use light like paints on a pallet. As you do, you'll create intensity, color, patterns and direct the reader's focus.