Quick Writing and Editing Tips – Writing Action Scenes #Writing #Editing

• Have events happen in real time. This helps your reader feel involved in the scene and brings them closer to a character.
• Use physical movements but don’t describe every single action in great detail.
• Have your character make quick decisions and react quickly to the situation/event.
• Minimise dialogue especially if it creates a pause in the action.
• Choose the verbs you use carefully for maximum effect.
• If you’re having trouble visualising the actions involved in the scene act it out! (It helps if you can get someone else to join in!)
• Read other writers and see how they write successful or unsuccessful action scenes. What didn’t work can be as important as what did work.
• Keep it real. Unless you’re writing fantasy where anything is physically possibly, keep the scenes within the bounds of reality (see acting it out above!)

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