Monday, September 24, 2018

Making a Fight Seem Real

QUESTION: I'm writing a fight scene, and I'm having a horrible time making it real. I've never hit anyone or been hit. How do I make it real?

That's a good question. If the scene and actions don't seem real to you, you can't make it real to the reader.

One way to make a fight real for you is to choreograph it by yourself or with the help of a friend or family member.

You play the hero and have the other person be his opponent. Don't just figure out the blows and what the other person will be doing. 

Imagine yourself hitting that person. What are you feeling? Where would your hand hit? How would that feel to you? 

If your hero is a trained fighter, how would his feelings differ?

Imagine how it would sound. To do this, hit your fist hard against your other hand and listen. 

Also ask friends if they have ever hit someone and how did it feel?  Find an online resource on fighting where you can ask questions.

You may never have been hit, but you have been hurt. Remember how it felt when a rowdy toddler clobbered you in the face with his foot while you changed his diaper. Or that baseball that hit you in the face or chest. Increase the sensation, and you've got some idea of what it feels like to be hit in a fight.

You may want to read examples of good fight scenes.  

An author I recommend is Western author Louis L’Amour who was a bare-knuckle boxer.  You can find his books at your library.  For choreographing of weapons fighting and battle scenes, you can’t go wrong with Ilona Andrews.  a

No comments: