Useful writing tips for writing action scenes Part #1
I really really like action scenes. They’re fun to write, fun to think about and just great in general. I also really like writing depressing scenes. BUT THAT’S BESIDES THE POINT. Let’s get right down into business shall we? So, first off, people will tell you “oh write telegraphically with lots of independent clauses for fast pacing and yadayadayada” That’s great. And they’re not wrong. But the thing is, that’s not really what you should be focusing on. Imma list the things you need to do right here in list of priority:
DISCLAIMER: The examples that are found underneath are simple 20 second no brainers that aren’t really that good writing. I just need to show you what the frick I’m talking about directly. Also, these are TIPS, not RULES. You CAN technically make things work without these factors. It’s just easier using these.
#1 Cause and effect.
“The man in the black hood swung his sword forward, the tip of the weapon gleaming with malice, about to absolutely cut Robert into bits...
CLASH
Just in time, Robert had managed to raise his sword to parry the blow, wincing in the process.”
That is the example that I just wrote in like 10 seconds as a rough example. Cause and effect is the most basic and absolutely easiest way to convey action. Black robe guy swung the sword. Robert parries. He winces. This way, the reader can follow on the action itself properly. It also makes the reader feel like they are in the action themselves and raises the ante. In other words, DO ITTTTTT.
#2 Establish the character’s fighting style.
Another thing that you wanna do is give the readers a basic idea of how the characters fight at the start of the scene.
“The Silver Knight’s sword lunged forward like some sort of metallic snake, hissing through the air at lightning speed. The Cyclops grunted, taking the deadly blow with a grin, then stamping his feet on the ground, making the ground collapse and the Knight to back off and regroup.”
Just from this single paragraph here, we can tell that the knight is a precise fighter, moving in and out fast and quick in order to lash quick beautiful blows with his sword. Meanwhile, the cyclops relies on brute force and power to fight. Remember: This isn’t a movie, anime, or anything visual. This is all happening within your reader’s mind. Allow their imagination to do your work for you! It’s the literal easiest thing you can do. Also, this allows you to do some more general description later on instead of writing out EVERY SINGLE PART OF THE FIGHT. Which brings us to #3.
#3: Be specific only when there is a turn in power/climax in the fight.
Now that really sounds confusing, so hear me out. Or read me out. I guess. Whatever.
“The two knights fought, both moving elegantly, like two swans, one black and one white, swinging at each other in a frenzy.
Then CLASH. The sound resounded through the courtyard. The White Knight’s sword flew out of his hand into the air. Seizing the opportunity, the Black Knight swung his sword in one fluid, deadly movement. Gritting his teeth, the White Knight ducked, at the same time lunging for his sword that had fallen on the ground.”
So basically, the two knights are fighting and the description is pretty general. This is fine, assuming you established the twos’ fighting styles already. Then, suddenly, when the Black Knight gains an edge, their movements get really specific. This allows you to show the readers a major turn in the battle, which is important, therefore should be writing out specifically to increase the dramatic effect. It’s a cool technique that makes your battle scenes seem faster(due to you not putting EVERY SINGLE USELESS DETAIL OF THE FIGHT)
#4 Onomatopoeia and the five senses
If you’ve gone to high school(well I am a high schooler but yeah) you would know Onomatopoeia. It’s basically just writing down sounds into words.
BAM! BOOM! CRASH!
Stuff like this helps to just bring some color into the writing and also it allows for your reader to focus in on the word, especially if it has its own paragraph and is all caps like the example I put above. It can be utilized as turning points or to show the effect of something while using tip #1.
As for the five senses, this is just basic writing. Utilize them. Also, something that you need to realize is that you are writing a book not making an animation or movie. It’s cool relying on visuals, I do that too. But you need to utilize the stuff that are UNIQUE to books. Such as:
Taste. Some blood got into your character’s mouth. It tastes like iron and makes him gag.
Tactile. Your character grips onto the leather grip of his sword tightly or pain slammed into his ribs, making him wince and cry out in agony.
REST OF THE TIPS IN PART 2. IF YOU LIKED THIS PLS SEND ME ENCOURAGING THINGS SO I CAN FINISH MY DAMN BOOK. I NEED THE EGO BOOST. Anyways thanks for reading the entire thing and cya next time.