One of my biggest fears while I’m writing is that there isn’t enough action in the story. There needs to be more than people talking. They need to be doing something. But, a story where things are always happening are exhausting. There needs to be a balance between the two.
Use everyday activity to break up static scenes. If characters need to think of how to solve the story problem, have them do something routine. If the hero is mulling over what their options are, then show them going through their daily routine. Then have someone chase them when they are on the way to work, if that fits your story.
Your story should flow like water down a stream. There are rocks in the stream that impede the flow a bit, but don’t stop it. This is a good way to visualize the plot.
Action, reflection, action, reflection, is another way to do it. Be aware, though that would be predictable. A better pattern would be the following. Action, reflection, action, action, reflection, action, reflection, action, action, action, reflect, reflect. You get what I mean.
It’s all about balance. Action writing versus passive writing is another form of this issue. The story should be like that rocky mountain stream. The rocks can’t stop the water, but they can slow it. Or speed it up, depending on the amount of water and the slope. Think of white water rafting. That’s action at its best. The flow of a lazy river can change in a heartbeat with the addition of a few rocks. That’s what the action scenes are. They break up the monotony. Too many rocks and a river becomes unnavigable. We don’t want that. Let your readers drift downstream a while then throw in a few rocks to make the flow go faster. Then let them drift again.
The trick is to make it seem natural, like a river. The plot should flow without stopping completely. But it shouldn’t be all easy flowing, there should be some white water in there to make the journey interesting. Too much easy flowing is boring. Too much white water is exhausting.
Balance is hard. We’ve all tried standing on one foot. It looks simple enough, but when you try it, it can be difficult. But, it is doable. It takes work, like anything worthwhile. Go ahead and write all your action scenes. Then write in the scenes that balance it and gives your reader a chance to breathe. That’s the key. Your characters, and your readers, need a respite. No matter how brief, before dropping over that waterfall to the end of the story. Give them that, and you will have a good story and happy readers.
I am not one who is comfortable talking about myself but here goes. I enjoy writing, family history, and reading. I decided to do this blog because I wanted to try something new. I decided to make it a weekly blog because I wasn't sure that I could keep up with a daily one, and monthly seemed like I was writing a magazine. I think I did ok with my choices. You'll notice that there are not a lot of graphics on my site. That's because there are graphics plastered everywhere on the Internet and those sites sometimes take forever to load. This blog is a place where you can kick back, relax and be ready to be amused. At least I hope I willbamuse you. This blog is on a variety of subjects from my ficitional cat agency, the FFL, which is monthly, to instructional blogs to editorials, which are my opinions only. I admit that I don't know everything and could be wrong -- I frequently am. Now, stop reading about me and read what I have to say!
Check out my novel, The Accidental Colony — It's the story of a group of scientists fighting for survival.
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