Some Tips on Action Scenes
Action scenes can often be one of the hardest things to write because they’re mostly visual and can rely on a specificity of quick action that is hard to convey. By writing out every individual move, the scene slows down to what if often a point of awkwardness (also, you better be an expert at fighting or else it’s just going to be wrong). But if you aren’t specific enough, then the scene becomes dull.
Actions scenes should not exist just for the sake of action. To make them good, even if your character placement isn’t the best, they should reveal something about the plot or a character. They need to mean something.
Here are some techniques for writing action scenes:
Short sentences. Little character thought. One action, then another. No long paragraphs either— it should read like the reader is experiencing the action. Longer sentences and character thought can come back when there’s a lull in the fight.
Use short, simple, and strong words. This can be the time to get dramatic with word choice, especially verbs, just don’t use adverbs unless the scene has slowed down.
Characters do not dwell on things when they are in the heat of the moment or they’ll get wrecked.
Character personality can come out in action. Are they confident? Scared? Just show it in action, not thought.
Use all the senses, but don’t overload. Mention smells and sounds, but don’t connect them to character thought. Just describe.
Even minor pain stays with a character, though they may not fully feel it until the action is over.
Senses can blur or sharpen! Colors or quick movements will catch the eye, and loud sounds or noises from behind may serve as a fighter’s only alert before an attack. The character is only likely to notice what’s in front of them and what they’re directly dealing with.
Analytical characters should get their thoughts out before or after the fight. During combat, suddenly it’ll be all about options, enemies, and terrain in immediate terms. They work with what’s in front of them.
Shifting the character’s attention, even by a small mention, will shift the reader’s attention. Can be good or bad, depending on what you’re writing.
The aftermath is when the details resurface and characters can pick up things (physical or mental) that they cast aside during the fight. This is when characters can regain emotions, relationships, long thoughts, and everything else.
Read it aloud! Smooth action scenes can be hard to write, and verbally examining it can help catch moments where things stumble or sound off.
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