Combat Instructor

[Hashi]

Okay, so, I've been going through and cataloging my strengths and weaknesses as a writer (Read: I had to get a second, part-time job that involves washing dishes, so I get bored as hell and think about random things). I realize that I have overcome my old weaknesses as a writer, like stale dialog, carbon-copy characters, boring settings, etc etc. I also realized that I still have glaring faults that are showing up now that my characters are getting more settled. So, make an interesting character. Check. Make an interesting setting. Check. Make the character do something interesting in said setting. Erm... there's the rub. So far I've been making do by having the characters traits substitute for action. Hashi goes out and gets drunk and does stupid things. Liquid goes around lying to people to find out what she wants to know. But getting to the nitty gritty blow by blow stuff, well. I suck. Or blow. Choose your setting.

This goes beyond Althanas as well. Like most people here I am a writer and I view 'thanas as a fun, interactive way to get literary feedback and practice, after all, the only way to get better as a writer is to write write write. And to me something like this beats finding some book of daily challenges that involve things like "Write a story about a lemon" or "Write a story about a man with a pink umbrella". I do plan on finishing that fantasy novel I've started umpteen times but I think this is one weakness I really need to get over to write that book the way I want. It is fantasy and involves swords and getting stabby on people. Something I'm not good at writing. And I'm not improving.

So, here's to you combat types out there: I suck at constructing fight scenes, care to help a lady out?

I do plan to finish all the threads I'm currently in, and keep these characters around, but I'll probably bring over one of my D&D characters or something to do more combat oriented things with. Or, if you want you could volunteer to be the combat master referred to in this post (http://www.althanas.com/world/showthread.php?p=106715#post106715) either IC if you have anyone who would willingly train the undead, or you could create a demon combat master NPC to use. Whateva. I'm flexible. I just want to learn and improve.

P.S. Yes, this is somewhat influenced by the nWo/Imperial war, because I realize I have three characters. All of which would be killed within five minutes of a serious engagement because I them made suck at fighting to cover for the fact I can't write it worth a damn.

[Vampiric Angel]

Well, I wouldn't say that I'm the best fight scene constructor, I would say that I have improved vastly from my previous writings. Something that got me into the mind set to create and understand how to write a fight scene, but still maintain some type of character depth, was by reading action heavy authors. The two that come to mind that helped me, are Forgotten Realms' R.A. Salvatore, and Paul S. Kemp. They both weave very interesting and in-depth fight scenes. Salvatore, I would say, is one of the most detailed writers of fight scenes, using the enviroment, and every angle possible to keep you reading. And Kemp, is very good at giving you a profound reason of why the character is fighting while they are fighting. With the range of emotions and reactions and dialogue, you can't go wrong trying to style a fight scene after him.

I have no idea if that was helpful, but that's what helped me improve somewhat.

[Hashi]

Any advice is helpful, and I've actually been looking for another series to read through. I'll look 'em up next time I'm in a library/bookstore. Thanks!

[Lavinian Ambition]

Don't forget that fighting style also relies heavily on Character. A character that is more concentrated on pulverizing his opponent, wouldn't trip, they'll try to just beat their face in. Things like that help define a fighting style, and in turn sell the fight more.

Example, would Hashi...

1) Kick some dude in the nuts...

OR

2) Punch them in the gut looking to wind them?

[Hashi]

... go for the nuts. <<;

That makes sense though. Different fighting mentalities. Like some boxers go for the face for that one wow knockout punch while others go for the ribs to wear their opponent down.

[A Nony Mouse]

R.A. Salvatore has some great books out there. Also Terry Goodkind writes excellent fight scenes.