  Action/Adventure
This week: When to Take a Break Within Action Edited by: Dawn Embers  
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An Elf Action/Adventure Newsletter
Sometimes we need breaks as writers, but there are other times where maybe we might consider putting in little breaks within our stories. Even in action, when we expect things to move at a quick pace, having the right moment, or cat nap, might be useful for the reader. |
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Action and adventure are known for having high stakes and intense scenes. There are battles to fight, epic quests to accomplish and lots of activity for the characters to endure. However, is it possible to have too much action?
I've talked to a fair number of writers over the years here on WDC and it's interesting the different approaches people take with their stories. Some love action and can write it for chapter after chapter with little amounts of rest given to the characters. Others are more prone to dialogue and little bursts of action between other elements. It can vary between not only writers but different stories and there is no wrong way. However, there are some good elements to incorporating some bits of rest within a story.
One reason is that action all of the time is exhausting for the characters and the reader. If they are constantly going, then it might become a little questionable how they keep going, even if there is a fantasy element to the story. We all need a little rest, even if we don't show certain aspects of it in our stories all of the time. Not saying to show every time they go to bed or take a nap, either, but having moments that aren't as action packed can help both provide rest but also give the other parts of the story more impact in return.
There is also a little factor in the suspension of belief when it comes to stories. This can be more so in speculative fiction but even actions or adventures that don't have those elements do require some suspension in belief for the characters to actually do some of the things they do. The reader wants to be immersed in the story and see it happening that way, which includes all of the action scenes. However, if the characters are going constant then the reader might start to wonder how that is possible. Too much doubt can make them consider stop reading, which is something we don't want.
Another thing to consider is that it gives the options for adding different layers of conflict. Sure, action and fighting are parts of the story but there are many elements that are combined to create the whole tale. Elements of character, dialogue and other similar aspects all help in building the tension and conflict.
So, while having intense stuff happen all the time has its appeal, there are also ways to use small breaks in order to create a stronger affect in our stories. Sometimes that little break can be just the moment your characters needed. |
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Do you think it helps to have small breaks in the action or do you prefer to keep the action up for most of the story?
Last time, I discussed some elements of the middle part of stories, in particular novels and how we don't want the readers to get bored.
Comment by Elfin Dragon-finally published 
how to keep action/adventure from dragging? Honestly? Put a tiny bit of romance in it. Admit it, we all love when our hero/heroine falls for some dopey sidekick. Or it could be just a one night stand with a "walk of shame" (or not).
- hehe, thanks for the comment. Romance can help in some stories, for sure.
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Action/Adventure: August 26, 2015 Issue [#7177]
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