This week: Setting the (Action) Scene Edited by: NaNoKit  
More Newsletters By This Editor 
 
1. About this Newsletter
2. A Word from our Sponsor
3. Letter from the Editor
4. Editor's Picks
5. A Word from Writing.Com
6. Ask & Answer
7. Removal instructions
It's the moment you've been waiting for... the big action scene. Where will it take place?
This week's Action/Adventure Newsletter is all about the where and the how.
NaNoKit |
| ASIN: B07YJZZGW4 |
|
Amazon's Price: Price N/A
Not currently available. |
|
Lately I've been wondering... is there such a thing as a perfect setting? I think we've all seen the action scenes in numerous movies where the characters end up in a factory/industrial unit, huge tubs of bubbling chemicals beneath them which they could easily fall into, many sharp objects around which could cause serious trouble... a good setting for that final battle, but far too predictable.
I think we've also seen the numerous car chases, speedboat chases, vehicles on fire and/or just about to explode (and will they make it out of there in time or not?) - again, good settings but done many times already. As an audience or reader we already know the outcome, though we might appreciate the special effects.
What to do, then, to be original? Some authors create their own worlds. Terry Pratchett's Discworld novels are set on a Disc, which rests on the backs of four elephants who stand on the back of a giant space turtle. Though the various continents on the Disc have similarities with the continents of Earth, which makes it easy for us to recognize what he is on about and often makes for an entertaining read, the setting is quite unique. And with a world with a high level of magic, the possibilities for original scenarios are endless.
Creating your own world is not an easy task. People have to be able to visualize the scenery, there have to be aspects to it that they can recognize, yet there must be a difference that makes it intriguing. It takes a lot of hard work and detail – think of J.R.R. Tolkien and you will know what I mean. Characters have to be well-developed within that setting. As a reader we have to be able to relate to them and grow a liking or dislike. If the reader is left not caring about them either way, they will not read on. However, if you have the imagination and creativity and dedication it can be very rewarding.
I think the perfect setting for an action scene could depend on your characters. If the action scene is, for example, between vampires and your vampires are of the more traditional kind then it is not likely that it will take place in a flower shop on a bright summer's day (though that could be interesting, actually). If your story is about a city cop chasing a criminal, the action scene is not likely to be somewhere in the Sahara (though that, too, could be interesting).
If your action scene involves a battle, it may be worth considering the lay of the land, and the strategic angles. Which side has the advantage? You could draw a map and have a look at the options for defense, a surprise attack, surrounding the other party, a trap...
No, no inspiring examples here, sorry. I've reached the conclusion that just about any setting can be made interesting if you use your imagination. Stay clear of clichés. Stay true to your characters. If you do use the industrial setting (to name an example), do something new with it. Take a fresh approach. Your readers will appreciate the effort.
If we've read it all before, a story is easily forgotten. If we are presented with something new and exciting, people will remember. Originality goes a long way.
NaNoKit
|
"The Quills" [ASR], 2019 are here!  Come join us on Saturday, the 30th of May, 4 PM W.Com time at the "2019 PreQuill Ceremony" [13+], where we'll find out the finalists in the bigger categories, and the winners of a few of the smaller categories. Then get ready for the main event, which will take place on Saturday, the 6th of June, 4 PM W.Com time. You can join the fun here: "2019 Quill Awards Ceremony" [13+].
In the meanwhile, here are some contests and activities to inspire you:
| |  | Invalid Item
This item number is not valid.
#2102427 by Not Available. |
And don't forget:
|
Have an opinion on what you've read here today? Then send the Editor feedback! Find an item that you think would be perfect for showcasing here? Submit it for consideration in the newsletter!
https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form
Don't forget to support our sponsor!
| ASIN: B07YXBT9JT |
Product Type: Kindle Store
|
Amazon's Price: $ 4.99
|
|
The Action/Adventure Newsletter Team welcomes any and all questions, suggestions, thoughts and feedback, so please don't hesitate to write in! 
Wishing you a week filed with inspiration,
The Action/Adventure Newsletter Team
|
| ASIN: B07YXBT9JT |
Product Type: Kindle Store
|
Amazon's Price: $ 4.99
|
|
To stop receiving this newsletter, click here for your newsletter subscription list. Simply uncheck the box next to any newsletter(s) you wish to cancel and then click to "Submit Changes". You can edit your subscriptions at any time.
|
Action/Adventure: May 27, 2020 Issue [#10194]
View Portfolio
Visit Notebook
Send Gift Points
Awards
Badges
Send Email
Community Newsfeed
General Discussion
Sponsored Items
Book of Trinkets
Static Items
Books
Groups
Interactive Stories
Audio
Campfire Creatives
Community Notes
Crossword Puzzles
Documents
Folders
Images
In & Outs
Madlibs
Photo Albums
Polls
Product Reviews
Quizzes
Survey Forms
Web Pages
Word Searches
