I’ve been working toward this scene for a long time. I knew the writing would go fast, but that usually means it needs repairs. I’ll do what I can on that front later.
Serang reached the Fulminite temple with her army. This place wasn’t quite the pushover some of her previous battle were. They stacked the deck as best as possible, but those Black Assassins are rough.
Then there was the High Detonator, who Serang faced alone. I like the way this scene played out, because she snatched victory from the jaws of defeat. (Stealing an old World of Sports line)
I also enjoyed the final appearance of the Fu Dogs. I got a bit emotional writing it, but that’s nothing new. (Who knows, I may decide I need them one more time as the rest of this tale unfolds. It really feels like the end for them.)
There is also a bit where Serang has to do a bit of soul searching. (While drunk, as is her way.) I want to go back over that to make it perfect. It involves the realization that she was born of the great temple purge, and she just did the same thing to the Fulminites. The temple purging has driven her entire life, and now she has to face this.
I also actually used onomatopoeia in one place. I’ve added some graphics to The Hat series before, but nothing quite like this. I think it works, but there is plenty of time to think it over.
I’d like to get more words out of this, but action scenes shouldn’t be long drawn out affairs. Yes, it was a city wide battle. I followed Serang, and readers will have to assume other fighting was going on at the same time.
Grand total today was 3500 words. That includes the opening volley, fighting in the streets, the one-on-one battle, plus dealing with Fu Dogs and Serang’s drinking binge. Somehow I thought all this would fill chapters, but it feels right as is.
Next up is Serang getting over herself, then making plans, and delivering a speech to the peasants. I want that to come off like a big deal.
What’s your thought on action scenes? I think they need to be short. I could make this more of a battlefront with several action scenes, punctuated by reflective sections, but I don’t think it needs it. Serang is still a hero, and on her worst day she still kicks ass.
Yay! I love Serang scenes. I like battle scenes, short or long. I’m a big fan of Ilona Andrews’ urban fantasy, and she can make battles last a long time and still be compelling. Or she can do quick and dirty. Either way works.
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Someday, I’d like to figure out how to write a longer version without overwriting it.
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Yeah for Serang! One of my favorite characters. My feelings about battle scenes are like a book. They should be as long as they need to be and no more. As long as there is action, I think you’re good to go.
Congrats on the word count.
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Thanks, Joan. That sounds like really good advice.
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Sounds like a super writing day. Finished H.M.S. Lanternfish. Got to work up a review.
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It was a good day, thanks. Hope you enjoyed the tale.
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Congrats on the progress. My thoughts on action scenes? I feel like I should just point to my books that read like blockbuster action adventures. 😁
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Atta boy! Maybe there will be a tutorial in your “dragon” book.
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I wouldn’t be me if I didn’t touch on action scenes at least once.
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Sounds like great progress, and the action scenes fun. I agree with what Joan said regarding length. Best of luck, Craig 🙂
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Thank you, Harmony. Might manage another writing time this weekend, but Sundays aren’t usually my best time.
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I really like the idea of the soul-searching (and the reason why) Serang is going to have to do. it And Fu dogs!! Have I mentioned, I love the Fu dogs?
As for action scenes, short is generally better. In real life most action happens quickly. You just need enough detail (along with plenty of power verbs) to bring those moments to life.
Congrats on your word count. I only managed two paragraphs yesterday but I did format three blog posts. Now, I’m getting ready to buckle down and concentrate on the WIP. Fingers crossed I can knock out the end of the chapter I’m working on.
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Cheering for you. Good reminder to go back and check those verbs.
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Loving your word totals! 😀
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Thank you.
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What a great day for writing:) Battles scenes can be long or short for me as long as each event us necessary and of course exciting.
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Thanks, and that makes sense.
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Action scenes are tough. In my new release I have a major battle in the climax that extends for 14 pages, with periodic “breathers” for the reader. I think that’s the important part. We need to let off the gas, so to speak, to allow the reader time to catch their breath before ramping up again.
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I’m kind of doing that. There are three battle sections close together, involving different parts of the field. I give a bit of reflection before switching POV.
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I love how you bring Serang full circle from her beginning at the great temple purse, to destroying the Fulminites’ temple. I would imagine she would need to do a bit of retrospection. I hate to see the Fu Dogs come to an end, but this is the final book of the series, so it makes sense. I totally agree that most action scenes need to be fairly short-lived, but intense. Then the reader needs a moment to catch their breath. Great word count progress, Craig!
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I finished her section this morning, and it will have to keep until next weekend. I might devise a way to improve it to a degree. It’s about time for all the players to converge once more. Some commute time will help with that.
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