David Baldacci, Author Of The Sixth Man, Answers Ten Terrifying Questions The Booktopian

Cover David Baldacci is New Honorary Chair for 2020 Amelia Island Book Festival (3235x4853)

Table of Contents

1. What is David Baldacci’s first tip for writing action scenes?
2. What is David Baldacci’s second tip for writing action scenes?
3. What is David Baldacci’s third tip for writing action scenes?
4. What is David Baldacci’s fourth tip for writing action scenes?
5. What is David Baldacci’s fifth tip for writing action scenes?

What is David Baldacci’s first tip for writing action scenes?

David Baldacci, the bestselling author of popular action-thriller novels, has shared his seven tips to help writers create compelling action scenes. His first tip is to know the scene's purpose and how it fits into the story.

Before writing the scene, the writer needs to determine what they want to achieve with it. Is it to reveal something about the character or move the plot forward? Knowing the scene's purpose helps the writer stay focused and avoid unnecessary elements that can make the scene drag or confuse readers.

Baldacci also advises that the writer should consider the scene's placement in the story. Is it at the beginning, middle, or end? How does it fit into the overall story's structure? Answering these questions helps the writer create a scene that feels organic and moves the story forward.

What is David Baldacci’s second tip for writing action scenes?

The second tip David Baldacci offers is to use all the senses to create a vivid and immersive experience for the reader.

When writing an action scene, it's easy to focus on the visual elements and neglect other senses. However, including sounds, smells, and tactile sensations can make the scene more engaging and realistic.

Baldacci suggests that the writer should consider the scene's location and use sensory details that are appropriate for that place. For example, if the scene takes place in a dark alley, the writer can describe the sound of rats scurrying, the smell of garbage, and the feel of rough bricks against the character's back.

What is David Baldacci’s third tip for writing action scenes?

David Baldacci's third tip is to use short sentences and quick pacing to create a sense of urgency and tension.

The writer should avoid long, convoluted sentences that slow down the scene's momentum. Instead, they should use short, punchy sentences that convey the action's speed and intensity.

Baldacci also advises that the writer should pay attention to the rhythm of the scene. Varying sentence length and structure can make the scene more dynamic and compelling.

What is David Baldacci’s fourth tip for writing action scenes?

The fourth tip that David Baldacci offers is to use strong verbs and avoid passive voice.

Using strong, active verbs can create a sense of immediacy and power. Passive voice, on the other hand, can make the scene feel distant and unengaging.

Baldacci suggests that the writer should choose verbs that accurately and vividly describe the action. Instead of writing "he was hit by the car," the writer can use "the car slammed into him."

What is David Baldacci’s fifth tip for writing action scenes?

David Baldacci's fifth tip is to use the environment to create obstacles and opportunities for the characters.

In an action scene, the environment can be just as important as the characters. Using the environment creatively can add tension, excitement, and surprise to the scene.

Baldacci suggests that the writer should consider how the environment can help or hinder the characters' goals. For example, if the scene takes place in a crowded market, the writer can use the crowd to obstruct the character's movements or create a distraction.

Conclusion

David Baldacci's seven tips for writing action scenes offer valuable insights for writers looking to create compelling and exciting scenes. By knowing the scene's purpose, using all the senses, using short sentences and quick pacing, using strong verbs and avoiding passive voice, and using the environment creatively, writers can create action scenes that feel realistic, engaging, and memorable.