 Action/Adventure: February 08, 2006 Issue [#868] |
  Action/Adventure
This week: Edited by: NaNoKit  
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Hi everyone! I hope that the start of the year has been a good one for you.
This month's newsletter is all about suitable settings for action scenes. Hope you will enjoy it!
kittiara |
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One of the comments I received to a previous Newsletter got me thinking about suitable settings for action scenes. Is there such a thing as a perfect setting? I found it an interesting topic, so I decided to dedicate this Newsletter to it.
I think we've all seen the action scenes in numerous movies where the characters end up in a factory/industrial site, huge tubs of bubbling chemicals beneath them which they could easily fall in to, many sharp objects around which could cause serious trouble... a good setting for that final battle... but severely overdone.
I think we've also seen the numerous car chases, speedboat chases, buildings 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 back of four elephants who rest on the back of a 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 also very unique. And with a world with a high level of magic, the possibilities for original settings is endless.
Creating your own world and possibly creating your own race of characters 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 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 thought out very well too. 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 your scene will take place in a flower shop on a bright summer's day (though it 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 (thought that too could be interesting). Not much help, eh?
If your action scene is about a battle it may be worth looking into strategic possibilities. Which side has the advantage of the land? Perhaps draw a layout and have a look at the options for defense, a surprise attack, surrounding the other party, a trap...
No, no inspiring examples here, I know. I've come to the conclusion that just about any setting can be made interesting as long as you use your imagination. Stay clear of cliches and total predictability. Stay true to your characters and make it believable. If you do use, say, the industrial setting make it that bit different. Make the reader expect a certain thing will happen and then surprise them.
If we've read it all before a story is easily forgotten. If we get truly involved and are presented with a believable and exciting twist at the end of a tale, people will remember. Originality goes a long way.
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A variety of items, as always. Hope you will enjoy them!
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I welcome any and all comments, suggestions and questions, so don't be shy to send them in! I don't bite  .
billwilcox - Desiree,
I enjoyed your article on challenging your muse to travel new and exciting roads. I am here to testify that stretching your boundaries does wonders for your writing. A writer writes--no matter what the genre or topic.
And you are such an excellent example of that, dear Decathlon Champion  . Glad you enjoyed the Newsletter!
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concrete_angel - Wow, cool contests, great advice, and yet another interesting newsletter. I haven't really participated in many contests, and I often find myself shying away from the larger ones, but I think I'm going to take you up on your dare, lol.
Don't be shy and go for it! You just never know what will happen.
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Hope you have a lovely day!
The Action/Adventure Newsletter Team: kittiara, billwilcox, Puditat , The Milkman  |
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