Onomatopoeia

[Diamondrose9]

Do you think the use of onomatopoeia in novel-writing is effective or just immature? I mean in moderation, not every couple of sentences.

For example:
"Snap! The little girl cringed behind her bedroom door as she heard a slapping sound emerge from the kitchen - the image of her father hitting her mother across the cheek flickered across Adalyn's mind."

I have used onomatopoeia a few times in the beginning of my current novel, and I think it fits in nicely; however I just want an outside opinion.
Thanks!

[Iridescence]

I don't think it's immature, per se - you just to be very sparing and careful in the way you use it. For example, in the example above, if you used the "snap" sound, you wouldn't need to explain that it's a slapping sound, especially since you describe the image anyway, so we know what it is without you reiterating the sound. In general, onomatopoeia can be wonderfully effective - but think of it as a djinn-- You only get a few wishes, and then poof. In this case, only use it when it's absolutely necessary to get the best effect - for example, if your characters are in a situation where it has been quiet for a while, and you want to startle the readers a little bit with a direct sound that shatters the silence both inside and outside the book.

[Dabs]

Depends on the usage, I'd say. The example you gave is one I'd never use in my own writing, but when used as verbs they're not so bad, like "buzzed" and such.

[thecollector]

I think it can be very usual. Granted, don't have every chapter have one- but just sometimes throughout the novel. Be light and the effect will be refreshing. Otherwise, it can get old. But, a good example of a bestseller with an onomatopoeia is Patriot Games by Tom Clancy. He uses it when the reader least expects it. Like this:

(insert paragraph here)

BOOM!

(insert paragraph here)

See, he draws attention to the sound when the reader least expects it by separating it entirely, and this makes it all the bigger. But in the example you stated, you don't want to draw THAT much attention to it- so, only regard this part for something you really want to pop if that makes sense?????

But, I say keep it as you have it. Just don't add too many.

[Mercy]

I feel like the usage depends on the age your writing for, or its usefulness in the story. Personally, for a young adult horror story, I know I have used it a few times in the same chapter to create a kind of tension. It's not immature, if used correctly. I do like using them as verbs when I'm describing something, it's ore subtle and it doesn't draw attention away from the story.

[The Enchanted Muggle]

some are alright; some are just annoying.