Review: How To Write The Perfect Fighting Scene
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 10 24, 2013
Every aspiring or amateur writer have probably wondered how to write a perfect fight scene like in your favorite adventure novel or in the latest James Bond film, but not unless you are born with natural talents of writing fight scenes, you may need some help. Author Rayne Hall has written an entire book on Writing Fight Scenes.Did you know there are two basic fight scenes? Gritty (example: Horror) and entertaining (example: Harlequin romance).The author gives wonderful advice and tips on what to use and what to avoid when writing the best fighting scene, which the scenes can be written in a few sentences or a full chapter. There are several chapters on different weapons and the correct way to have your characters use them, such as swords, knives, daggers, staffs, spears, polearms, clubs, maces, axes, slings, arrows, firearms, and magical weapons.Of course readers love characters (male or female) that can defend themselves without the use of a weapon. There are a few chapters on unarmed combat and self-defense. You'll also learn the difference between the way men and women fight and their psychological barriers.Humans aren't the only characters in books (especially supernatural romances) that need good fighting scenes, as there are animals and werewolves. Remember, human characters can use animals as weapons, such as horses, dogs and elephants.From battle scenes to the difference between historical and modern armor, the author covers everything a writer would need to craft the perfect fighting scene. Being a published writer, I found the book to be extremely resourceful, as writing a fight scene can be complicated. Sometimes the best scenes only use a few words, while others are better with more descriptions. No matter what genre you are writing, remember to always write your fight scenes realistically. My favorite chapters was on the female fighters. Since I'm a male, writing a female character can be a little difficult, especially in a fight scene. After the reading Writing Fight Scenes, I now know what errors to avoid and how to strengthen my writing.