Improving Action Scenes: Eliminate This Specific Element

In the world of literature, crafting captivating action scenes is a skill highly sought after by authors. Henry Fielding, the renowned 18th-century satirist, demonstrated this mastery in his novel, Joseph Andrews. During a tense action scene, Fielding intentionally refrained from inserting a simile, believing that the action should be rapid and uninterrupted.

This approach to action scenes is not without merit. The key to writing better action scenes lies not just in what is included, but also in what is left out. Trimming unnecessary descriptions does not mean stripping scenes of depth or detail, but being intentional about where and how they are included.

This technique of maintaining momentum by weaving essential details seamlessly into the flow is crucial. The aim is to immerse readers so completely in the conflict that they forget to close their mouths and stop drooling. This immersion is achieved by structuring sentences and trimming unnecessary information, ensuring a well-paced scene that can crackle with energy.

Modern comic writers like Ed Brubaker and Greg Rucka have been praised for their use of techniques that enhance action scenes. They combine dark, tense narrative pacing with sharp, dynamic visual storytelling in comics such as "Sleeper" and "Hellblazer" to create compelling super-spy and superhero action.

Another technique highlighted involves subtle action-driven turning points. In these instances, a character’s small but deliberate actions, such as tying shoelaces to show support rather than a verbal confession, drive scene changes and emotional impact. This technique was exemplified by a scene described from "The Way We Were".

Fielding's action scene continued effectively without the simile, demonstrating that descriptions are not always necessary. However, if necessary information is required for readers to understand the action, it should be provided before the action begins to avoid disrupting the pacing.

Joseph Andrews acknowledges the problem of interrupting the action with large chunks of description. Such interruptions can slow down the action and disrupt the pacing of a scene. This advice applies to all types of action scenes, including chase scenes, love scenes, and intense conversations.

To ensure scenes have the desired impact, writers should keep the pacing tight, the action clear, and the readers engaged. Poorly timed info dumps or overstuffed descriptions can slow down the momentum of a scene. Writers should double-check whether the information they want to include is vital before slowing down the action.

In conclusion, the art of crafting action scenes is a delicate balance between what to include and what to leave out. By following the advice of authors like Henry Fielding and modern comic writers, writers can create scenes that are rapid, immersive, and engaging, leaving readers on the edge of their seats.