When I met with my critique group this past weekend, I submitted a major turning point scene from the novel. This was an action scene, which needed a lot of work.
So this week on the blog, I’m going to concentrate on action scenes. What makes them work? What are the characteristics of a good action scene?
Jordan Rosenfeld, who is the author of the craft book, Make A Scene talks about some of the things you want to have in your action scene:
- The events unfold in “real time,” allowing the reader to feel he is participating in the events of the scene
- The pace is quick, and there is some kind of physical movement.
- The protagonist is forced to make quick decisions or to react — to run on instinct rather than intellect.
- Unexpected consequences for the protagonist heighten the drama.
On Wednesday and Friday, I will share paragraphs from two YA novels by authors who I think do action scenes particularly well.
Plus, if any of you know any really good action scenes to study, please send them my way.
Stay tuned!
Interesting stuff! Action isn’t easy to write – I’ve got a couple of scenes in my ms. Can’t wait :)
Action scenes can be tricky. It’s so easy to get distracted with things not important. Or for it to be confusing. I’m looking forward to your examples.
I just realized that I had never officially followed!
Great advice! I always have to rewrite action scenes a bunch of times. Even if what’s happening is perfectly obvious in my head, it takes a while to find the right way to convey it so it’s clear to the reader. Looking forward to your YA examples!
Sometimes I think you just have to get the action scene down first. For me, I write them too slow-going. I have to trim and cut and up the ante for an action scene.
I’ve been studying some action scenes and I’ve learned a lot just be reading them.
I hope that you guys find my examples helpful in your own writing.
Great advice! I’m working on an action scene tonight. I’ll definitely refer to your post.
Hi Nora: Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment. Action scenes can be fun to write. I’m actually having fun writing mine in stages.
Be sure to check back on Wed and Fri when I give some examples to study.
When did you go to Chautauqua? I was there in 2008. I noticed your comment on Nora’s blog.
Hi Sharon: I’ve never been to Chautauqua but many of my writer friends have and they have loved it.
I did get attend the Highlights Whole Novel Workshop in 2008 with Carolyn Coman and Jane Resh Thomas and that was FABULOUS.
Writing in scenes is so key! These are all great tips to keep in mind!
Hi Jody: Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment. I love your blog! :)
I love writing in scenes. It keeps me in the moment. Rosenfeld’s book is really good at identifying different types of scenes and what makes them work.
Writing a fast-paced action scene is a real challenge for me too. My critiquers help pick up on details that might not work that way in real life. I like the idea that the protag has to make a quick decision or show an instinctive reaction. Thanks for making me think a little deeper! [I found you through the Blue Boards.]
Hi Andrea: I love meeting fellow Blue Boarders from Verla Kay. Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment.
Yes, I’m learning so much from studying action scenes. I hope you stop by later this week and see what you can get out of the examples.