1. Patterns in sounds and rhythms
For many people, ‘Give me a vowel’ will bring up an instant reference to the TV programme Countdown. In the context of the game show, vowels and consonants were linked to letters of the alphabet, with A-E-I-O-U being vowels and the other 21 letters consonants. As writers, it’s reasonable to make the same connection. However, vowels and consonants aren’t letters. They’re sounds. Vowels are made with an open mouth with nothing to restrict the flow of air from the throat to the lips. Consonants are made by stopping the flow of air briefly, as you do to create a ‘t’ or a ‘d’ sound, or creating a vibration as in ‘v’ or ‘m’ sounds.