Tips to Improve your Novel Action Scenes
Fight scenes are a staple of novels, and are an important
part of a story’s plot. A good fight scene can provide a sense of tension and
drama, and can often be what readers remember most about a novel. For authors,
writing fight scenes can be difficult, but there are a few tips that can help
make them better. Here are ten ways to improve fight scenes in novels.
1. Focus on the Character’s Objective – Writing a fight
scene is about
more than just describing the action. It’s important to focus on
the character’s goal and how they are trying to achieve it. What are they
fighting for? What do they need to do to win? By focusing on the character’s
objectives, authors can create a more engaging and exciting fight scene.
2. Use Descriptive Language – Descriptive language is key to
writing an effective fight scene. Readers want to be able to visualize the
action, so authors should be sure to include vivid details that help create a
clear image in the reader’s mind. Describe the setting, the opponents, the
weapons, and the movements of the characters.
3. Include Internal Thoughts – Internal thoughts can help
show a character’s state of mind during a fight. It also provides a glimpse
into their motivations and fears. Showing a character’s thoughts can help
create a more realistic fight scene, and can help readers connect with the
character.
4. Don’t Over-Describe – While descriptive language is
important, authors should be careful not to get too bogged down in details.
Fight scenes should be kept short and to the point. Describe only what is
necessary and make sure the action moves quickly and efficiently.
5. Use Dialogue – Dialogue can be a great way to make a
fight scene more interesting and engaging. Characters can talk to each other
mid-fight to give readers insight into their motivations and feelings. It can
also help create tension and suspense.
6. Make it Unpredictable – A predictable fight scene can be
boring. Authors should strive to make their fight scenes unpredictable and
exciting. Introduce unexpected elements, twists, and turns that will keep
readers on the edge of their seats.
7. Show the Aftermath – The aftermath of a fight is often
just as important as the fight itself. Showing the aftermath of a fight can
provide insight into the characters and can also be used to move the plot
forward.
8. Show the Consequences – A fight scene should have
consequences. Showing the consequences of a fight can help make it more
meaningful and can help readers better understand the stakes involved.
9. Be Realistic – Fight scenes should be realistic. Authors
should understand the physics of a fight and make sure the action is plausible.
10. Don’t be Afraid to Take Risks – Taking risks can help
make a fight scene more exciting. Try something new and unexpected. Be bold and
take the time to create a fight scene that is unique and will leave readers
wanting more.
By following these tips, authors can create fight scenes
that are exciting, engaging, and memorable. Fight scenes can be a great way to
add tension and drama to a story, and with a little bit of work, authors can
create fight scenes that are sure to captivate their readers.
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