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Jun 7 07 1:51 PM

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Hey~

This is my first topic, lol, so if you haven't seen me around replying to other topics, nice to meet you.

Anyway...

I recently decided I want to focus more on my writing rather than turning my stories into comics since I'm better overall at writing than I am at drawing. (I can do good illustrations, but more provocative imagery is still a bit hard for me)

Well, what I was wondering is, what's a good way to go about illustrating combat through text? I mean, how can you illustrate fast paced, intense combat without it seeming gimmicky...?

I understand that short, straightforward sentences and few punctuations help promote a sense of speed... but beyond that...

Just looking for some advice, maybe some examples if you have anything specific?

Thanks a bunch.
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#1 [url]

Jun 7 07 7:55 PM

Cerberus,

It's a tricky balance. You don't want to go 'play-by-play' action. Nor do you want to overcontrol. Even the fastest action can be slowed down by too much description.

Being too vague on the other hand, is an issue to. You want to describe the action, but leave room for the reader to imagine it in his mind, see it through your words.

Check out a few writers you enjoy reading, who include combat in their writings, and see how they do it, and why it works for you. Use that as a basis to form your own technique to writing action scenes.

I say this, as I am not sure there is really any way to tell a writer how to write action/combat well, other than a few guidelines.

If you need a few suggestions for authors, let me know the kind of combat you're looking at, and even the POV used, and I'll post a few here.

R-Tech

Flank Hawk and Blood Sword: My Fantasy Novels published by Gryphonwood Press
My Writing Website www.ervin-author.com
Editor for MindFlights
My Blog Up Around the Corner

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#2 [url]

Jun 7 07 9:13 PM

Having thought a little more about the topic, I'd also like to add that knowledge of the weapons and combat techniques employing them (individually or in formation/mass) is a good idea.

If you're going to have a protagonist use a shotgun or revolver, or muzzle loader, know the specifications, uses, and limitations. If possible, actually handle and fire one. With a sword, saber, rapier, spear, longbow, crossbow, same goes.

When not possible, some careful reading and study can suffice.

Somethings are impossible (or near to). How were chariots employed, and how effective were they against bow or pike formations? Some good military history books etc, can assist.

Everything you learn will make you more competent in writing the combat/action. Everything you learn will definately not make it to the pages of the text, but will add depth and be more believeable to a reader, even one familiar with the type of weapon(s) or even unarmed combat being described in the action of the story.

R-Tech

Flank Hawk and Blood Sword: My Fantasy Novels published by Gryphonwood Press
My Writing Website www.ervin-author.com
Editor for MindFlights
My Blog Up Around the Corner

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#3 [url]

Jun 8 07 2:50 PM

QUOTE (R-Tech @ June 07, 2007 09:13 pm)
Having thought a little more about the topic, I'd also like to add that knowledge of the weapons and combat techniques employing them (individually or in formation/mass) is a good idea.

If you're going to have a protagonist use a shotgun or revolver, or muzzle loader, know the specifications, uses, and limitations. If possible, actually handle and fire one. With a sword, saber, rapier, spear, longbow, crossbow, same goes.

When not possible, some careful reading and study can suffice.

Somethings are impossible (or near to). How were chariots employed, and how effective were they against bow or pike formations? Some good military history books etc, can assist.

Everything you learn will make you more competent in writing the combat/action. Everything you learn will definately not make it to the pages of the text, but will add depth and be more believeable to a reader, even one familiar with the type of weapon(s) or even unarmed combat being described in the action of the story.

R-Tech

That makes a lot of sense.

Thanks a bunch, I think I know what I can do now.

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#4 [url]

Nov 13 07 9:02 AM

I find that by making a story board with simple sketches and then acting it out myself gives me a lot of insight into the direction of the combat, the descriptive words to use, as well as the POV necessary. Also, I listen to music that inspires the pace of the combat...i find it helps.

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