Action Scene Fatigue: Less is More!
Are your action scenes falling flat? Do you find your readers getting lost in the chaos of your fights, chases, and battles? You might be suffering from what I like to call "action scene fatigue." This occurs when writers overload their action scenes with too many details, too much repetitive choreography, and too many characters. The result? A confusing mess that leaves readers feeling bored and disconnected. In this post, we'll explore some common pitfalls of action scenes and discuss why sometimes less is more when it comes to action.
First, let's talk about the importance of clarity in action scenes. Readers need to understand what's happening, who's doing what, and why. If your action scene is too cluttered with unnecessary details, readers will have a hard time following along. Instead, focus on the most important elements of the scene and use strong verbs to convey the action. For example, instead of saying "He punched him in the face," try "He jabbed a fist into his nose." The second sentence gives a clearer image of the action and uses a more vivid verb.
Another problem with action scenes is trying to do too much at once. Writers often throw in multiple characters, weapons, and obstacles, hoping to create a thrilling scene. However, this can quickly become overwhelming for readers. I once edited a novella that read like one long fight scene, only broken up by brief car journeys to pick up more weapons. There were very few paragraph breaks, just blocks and blocks of text filled with gun battles and relentless zombies. Every time I thought the zombie was finished off, it would come back to life and more fighting would ensue. I was EXHAUSTED by the end!
Instead of letting these scenes run on and on, focus on one or two characters and one or two weapons or obstacles. This allows you to develop those elements more fully and create a stronger emotional connection with readers. Shorter, sharper sentences work better, as does putting ominous statements on separate lines to create more impact (and give the reader’s eyes a break!).
Finally, don't forget the power of pacing in action scenes. It's tempting to rush through a fight or chase to get to the next plot point, but this can be a mistake. Take your time with the action, building tension and suspense, and allowing readers to fully experience the scene. Vary the pace of the action, alternating between fast and slow moments, to keep readers engaged.
Remember, action scenes are an important part of many genres, but they need to be well-crafted to have an impact. By avoiding action scene fatigue and focusing on clarity, simplicity, and pacing, you can create thrilling and memorable scenes that will keep readers fully immersed, and not zombified through sheer exhaustion!
