WRITING TENSE ACTION SCENES
by Jodie Renner,
freelance fiction editor, @JodieRennerEd
Stacy recently
asked me how editing thrillers is different from editing other genres. That’s a
huge topic, too much for one blog post, and would include differences in plot,
characterization, pacing, word choice, and writing style, among many other
considerations. For today, I thought I’d just talk about writing effective
action scenes, which can also appear in romantic suspense, mysteries, action
adventures, fantasies, and any other genre.
When your characters
are running for their lives, write tight and leave out a lot of description,
especially little insignificant details about their surroundings. Of course, if
the details would somehow help them, then definitely include them.
Characters on the
run don’t have time to sightsee or have great long discussions. Their
adrenaline is pumping and all they’re thinking of is survival.
A few quick tips
for writing strong action scenes:
~ Stay in the
scene with the characters – don’t intrude as the author to explain anything.
~ Avoid lengthy
discussions among characters or long, involved thought processes.
~ Cut out any
little unneeded words that are cluttering up sentences and slowing down the
pace.
~ Use short
sentences and paragraphs.
~ Use the most
powerful verbs you can find.
~ Show your
viewpoint character’s sensory impressions to suck readers in more.
~ Show your POV
character’s emotional and physical reactions, starting with visceral responses.
~ Show other
characters’ reactions through their words, tone of voice, actions, body
language, and facial expressions.
Click HERE for the examples and the rest of the article.