how should I have a spirit appear?

In the book, not all spirits are bad, but I need an idea of how I should have them appear (like when they're summoned). I'm not favoring the "flash-bang-poof!" idea. It can't be something big (I don't want everyone knowing someone summoned a spirit). But I need something big enough to catch the summoner's attention.

Right now I'm thinking something like:

Ideas welcome

I like this one! I like the idea of a glow, and the soft rumble makes me think of thunder. You could have a flash of lightening; its not a big bang but it catches your attention

Are we talking a good context or bad?

An all around one, for both good and bad. Maybe edited to lean towards one or the other...

Probably go with the glowing thing...

I'd also be interested in doing it silently, as if they just became visible and had been there all the time.

Or you could use a portal effect.

I thought of the portal effect... I like the thought of them just appearing, but I need some sort of sound- (interrupts self) Wait! hm... silent? I'm beginning to like the sound of that
How about this:

That reminds me of Narnia. I like it.

Yay! Now I can get back to writing (and I'm gonna keep the glowing part )

I know you kind of already decided, but I personally like the "they were there" sort of thing. A person was there, did some things, and then when you look again they're gone. It's really more "mystical" than the whole glowing thing. Plus, it's less common. I don't know how well it'd work in your story, but that's my opinion.

Oh no! I'm too late! But for anybody else, I think it would be cool if a bright glowing happened for good spirits and with evil ones a strange darkness. If I ever decide to have spirits I'll do mine like that.

Yea I like that idea Elan, It separates the good and bad in some ways In Frank Peretti's books the evil spirits smelt of sulfur as well, didn't they?

Wow, probably the first time somebody has shortened my name...

I have never read Peretti's books, I've heard they are somewhat controversial, plus I don't think we have them. Maybe I'll try to get my hands on them...

Well, Piercing the Darkness is the best, This Present Darkness should be read first but it isn't as good, however if you don't read them in order the second book doesn't make sense in every place. I know, we have it but my parents have never been to sure what they think about it, some people think you shouldn't look into heavenly things we can't understand. Personally I just see them as a great read!

*Starting new topic in reviews, or whatever it was renamed to.*

My first idea was a blinding flash and a loud bang. =) Am I predictable or what?

I like the rumbling and water though. If you have elemental spirits you could change it up depending on their element...

eruheran