Writing Action Scenes that Grip Readers

Sometimes there's nothing better than an action scene that gets your heart pumping and gives you that adrenaline spike as you turn through the pages of a story. But what exactly is it that grips you and have you turning those pages faster than your eyes can read them while you're desperate to find out what happens next? 

It's the technique that the author uses in the pacing, dialogue, and fantastic scene setting. 

Want to do this for your novel? Here are a few things to keep in mind when writing your action scenes. 

Build Tension and Pace 

You can't have an action scene without tension and fast pacing to keep your readers hooked and engaged in the story. Set the stage for your scene and then gradually increase the stakes and set a sense of urgency in your character. Use short sentences and paragraphs to convey a rapid flow of events as well as quick dialogue. 

Engage the Senses

Action scenes need to come to life for your reader and the best way to do that is to take them and place them in your book. Have them smell the burning ash in the air, and feel the quake in the ground as the monster stalks towards them. Use sights, sounds, smells, and physical descriptions to put your reader in the moment. 

Show, Don't Tell 

Show, don't tell has never been more true than when you are writing action scenes. Your character should never say that they feel afraid before going into battle. They need to grip their weapon tight, the slickness of their damp palms making it hard to grip the handle. Describe movements, facial expressions, and emotional responses. You need your reader to connect to them and in a way to be them as they move through that scene. 

Use Dynamic Dialogue

Dialogue brings another edge to your action scenes. Sure the main character and the villain can be engaged in a sword fight, but they should have something to say to each other instead of just grunting and swinging. 

Have your character engage in quick and snappy dialogue that reveals character motivation, emotions, and intentions, but keep it direct and quick to not lose the fact pace and tension of the scene. 

Balance Detail and Pacing 

Yes, you want to include details in your action scene, but you have to find the balance between bringing your reader in and drowning them in detail. If you want your action scene to be fast-paced and filled with tension you can't have three pages dedicated to the character looking around the field while he's in the middle of the battle, isn't there another guy running at him with a sword raised and poised to strike that he should be aware of instead? 

You want to focus on your character's emotions, their actions, and the impact of their actions.

--

Writing action scenes that are fast pace and engaging can be difficult to master in the being, but as with all aspects of writing the more you read and the more you write the easier it will be to get a sense of how these scenes go and you'll be able to write them with ease. 

Keep reading and keep writing. 

With love, 

B. King xo xo

____________________________________________________

*If you've liked what you read you can show your support by subscribing, pledging your support, or leaving me a tip that directly supports and aids me as a writer.

By joining Vocal+ you can earn more per read on every story you publish on Vocal.

Click my link to start your 7-day free trial today and start earning more for your stories.

_____________________________________________

This story was originally posted on Medium. Join Medium as a member for just $5/month to access premium content and help me continue creating articles like these. You can also earn money by posting your own stories using Mediums' Partner Program.

Help power my writing with a virtual coffee! Starting at just $1. Your support keeps my creativity brewing. Treat me to a cup! ☕

Thanks for your support and happy writing!