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!