Crafting Engaging Action Scenes in Martial Arts/War Novels

Writing action scenes, especially in martial arts or war novels, can be both thrilling and challenging. Many aspiring writers find it difficult to describe the fight scenes vividly, turning what should be an exciting moment into a yawning bore. Let's explore effective ways to create gripping action scenes.

Why Fight Scenes Often Fall Flat

Imagine fast-forwarding through long, drawn-out fight scenes in movies—punch, kick, duck, dodge, parry, block, roll, hit someone with a chair—yawn. The list goes on and on, leaving the viewer bored, just as a similar monotonous description would bore the reader.

Instead, written action scenes should be short, snappy, and concise, often keeping them to only a few paragraphs. The reasons for the fight and the aftermath can be more compelling than the fight itself. It is crucial to retain the reader’s interest, which is why such scenes need to be succinct and impactful.

Steps to Create Effective Action Scenes

Writing an effective action scene requires several steps:

Visualize the fight in your mind. Write the fight as you visualize it. Edit and refine the scene to ensure it fits into your story.

The process can seem daunting, but it is not without resources. There are numerous books on writing fight scenes, and attending writing conferences or workshops can provide valuable insights. At a recent state writing conference, the advice was clear: alternate between internal thought and action, making the action clear and strong, and absolutely crucial is to keep the scene short—under three hundred words.

Techniques for Effective Action Writing

Here are some techniques to help you craft engaging action scenes:

Describe the Scene Vividly

Instead of detailing each punch, parry, and dodge, focus on the broader picture. For example:

Johnny stood on his toes, his hands held high, posture ready for the next move.

Vivid descriptions and concise action details can be far more effective than lengthy lists of movements.

Act Out the Scene

Acting out the scene can help you get a clearer picture and capture more detailed action. Don’t worry about writing in full sentences—just write down what you did. Once you're done, you can use these notes to shape your writing:

She lunged forward, her feet moving in a quick, fluid motion. I blocked her attack with the hilt of my sword, spinning around to face her again.

This method allows you to see the scene from a different perspective and ensures that your writing captures the dynamic nature of the fight.

Lead-Up and Aftermath

Lead up to the fight with a cat-and-mouse kind of chase, but make the actual attack thrilling and short. Once the fight is over, delve into the aftermath. The reasons for the fight and the consequences of the encounter often prove more engaging than the fight itself.

Conclusion

Creating effective action scenes in martial arts or war novels is a challenging but rewarding task. By visualizing, writing, and refining your scenes, and using techniques like acting out the scene and focusing on the lead-up and aftermath, you can create dynamic and engaging action sequences that captivate your readers.