Plot & structure · Tip 32 of 82 · 4 min read
Writing an Exciting Action Scene
Chases, battles and daring escapes: keep readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish.
Action scenes are the bits where hearts pound and readers forget to breathe: a chase across rooftops, a race against a flood, a duel with a robot. Here's how to make yours zoom.
Know the goal
Action is only exciting if the reader knows what your character is trying to do and what happens if they fail. Reach the boat before it sails. Grab the key before the guard turns round. A clear goal makes every second count.
Strong verbs do the heavy lifting
In action, choose sharp, specific verbs and cut the extra words. Your character doesn't "go quickly". They sprint, leap, skid, duck or scramble.
Okay 😐
Ella went quickly down the stairs and then she went across the hall and tried to open the door, but it was very difficult to open.
Wow! 🤩
Ella took the stairs three at a time. She skidded across the hall and yanked the door. Stuck. She yanked again.
One thing at a time
Readers can get lost in a muddle of flying arms and legs. Show one clear action, then the result, then the next action. It's like a camera following the most important thing.
The rope snapped. Jas dropped, grabbed a branch, and swung. The branch bent. Below her, the river roared. She kicked her legs, let go, and landed on the far bank, face-first in the mud.
Let it go wrong
The best action scenes don't go to plan. A shoe flies off, the bridge wobbles, the map blows away. Each new problem keeps the reader hooked until the very last line.