Note: Outline for one hour workshop on writing action, designed to be an interactive discussion.
Rainbow Con Workshop: Writing Action
Saturday, 5 PM, Sanibel Room
Stephen del Mar
Opening Thought questions:
- What is action?
- How is it different from other narrative elements?
- Is it more than a fight sequence?
Like the rest of your story, action scenes need to be rooted in the narrative structure.
- Action needs to be motivated by the plot and move it along.
- Each action scene should be unique.
Action needs to reveal characterization.
- Characters need to act in character.
- How are characters impacted by the action and the outcome?
Action needs to be rooted in the setting.
- How does the surroundings impact the action?
- How does the action impact the surroundings?
Some mechanics of Action
- Pacing is paramount
- Rhythm of language is important.
- Shorter sentences.
- Minimal descriptions. Remember, the reader is your writing partner.
- Tight dialog.
- Use speech or thought to reveal action.
- Keep it as short as possible.
- Use it to reveal character under pressure.
- Remember conflict is the heart of Story and Action is all about conflict.
- What is at risk?
- What is the payoff?
- How was the conflict set up? Why are we having this conflict?
- Rhythm of language is important.
Summery
- What do your characters fear will change as a result of the action/conflict?
- What will really change?
- How does this move the story forward and lead to character growth/change?
Closing questions
- As writers, do you have obstacles writing action?
- As readers, what makes for a compelling action scene? What doesn’t work?
- Final comments or questions?