Action scenes are integral parts of a story. But, they don’t necessarily be in every novel because it depends on the author whether a fight scene is relevant and essential or not. Moreover, the said scenes are commonly seen in works under action, thriller, crime, and mystery genres. They are often created to enhance the mood and increase the tension of a story.
Among the best works that feature some good fighting events are A Song of Ice and Fire by George R. R. Martin, The Jungle Rules Trilogy by Paul Shemella, Ocean Prey by John Sandford, The President is Missing by James Patterson and Bill Clinton, and Photographing the Dead by Dean Koontz.
So if you want to be the next best-selling author whose works are recognized for their amazing fight scenes, then here are some tips that might help you in crafting one.
Read more books with great action scenes
Knowledge is power. With enough knowledge, you can definitely give justice to your characters and story by giving them intense fight scenes. Reading different kinds of books with great action bits can help you analyze and conceptualize how you want to write yours. You can delve into the stories of popular thriller or action authors. Try reading them objectively because you can definitely examine the scenes in a thorough manner using an objective point of view instead of becoming subjective. By getting to know their works, you can pinpoint how each part enhances the tension, develops the characters, moves the story, and magnets the readers. Thus, read, study, and write.
Write with your own style
Every writer has an artistic license. What does it mean? It simply implies that the individual has the right and liberty to disregard the rules or principles that typically govern the art in which he practices, writing in this case. After you have read some action-packed stories, apply your learning through writing the fighting scenes in your own book. Writing a story using your own writing style is important in this process. This will not only help you craft great action scenes but also give you the identity wherein the readers can instantly recognize your work from the way it is written. But, you must make sure that your style perfectly fits the tone and pacing of your story.
Ensure that it maintains the progress of the story
A story that doesn’t move forward won’t make sense. Readers always expect developments in books. Hence, knowing that action scenes can create a magnificent impact on the story’s progress, then you should ensure that they can advance the tale while maintaining the same pace. Write the fight scene on the most suitable part of the story, then read it. Afterward, delete the action scene and reread your work. If the former works better than the latter, then that’s when you can tell that the exciting scenes are integral in your work and are propelling your story forward. But, make sure
Make the events more realistic
If you are writing a detective, crime, mystery, or another story that highlights the tension and ignite intense emotions, then you should make your fight scenes closer to reality. You have already read books or have seen movies where there are impossible parts where the main character survives horrible and near-death events. Whether you still haven’t witnessed a shooting incident, assault, or another form of violence, or you already have, it still won’t stop you from writing those scenes.
You can always do your research and pick what type of violence you can inflict on your planned action scenes that will be relevant to your plot. Do your research first prior to writing that particular section of your story. Know the entities that should be involved, terminologies to be used, and more. In that case, every punch, gunshot, bleeding, threatening, and begging will be pictured out and felt by the readers because they also happen in real life.
Don’t forget the pre and post-fight details
Transition is important in every story. As an author, you know how the plot works. Thus, you should always supply enough information to your readers. A fight couldn’t just pop out of nowhere without motive or reason. Also, it wouldn’t suffice if there will be no resolution after an action happens. To create a stirring action scene, there should always be great storytelling before the fight takes place for readers to know the root of the conflict. The same as the aftermath, you should also give the readers some details whether the characters resolved the issue or are there other consequences that emerge. Brainstorm, plan, and write.
Oliver’s Twist 