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# FightWrite

A Writer's Resource for Fight Scenes, Action and Violence

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://www.fightwrite.net/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [FightWrite Blog](https://www.fightwrite.net/blog/) - Alphabetical Index Subscribe
- [Should AI Write Your Fight Scene](https://www.fightwrite.net/should-ai-write-your-fight-scene/) - In 2025, BookBup did a survey of authors and their use of AI[1]. Approximately 45% of the authors surveyed reported using generative AI to aid them professionally1] The most common use was research, the second was some aspect of marketing[2]. The reasons beyond those pertained to writing in plotting, outlining, editing and creating. The last
- [How to Make a Dangerous Character](https://www.fightwrite.net/how-to-make-a-dangerous-character/) - What makes a character dangerous, the framework behind judging the credibility of a threat and how to create characters credibly capable of violence.
- [Strikes Other Than Punches or Kicks](https://www.fightwrite.net/strikes-other-than-punches-or-kicks/) - In fighting, a strike is a direct, percussive blow delivered with any part of the body. Punches and kicks are both examples of strikes and what many people think of when strikes are mentioned in relation to fights. While both punches and kicks are incredibly productive in fights on and off the page, they are
- [Writing Advice that Gave Me Goosebumps](https://www.fightwrite.net/writing-advice-that-gave-me-goosebumps/) - This past year I had the pleasure of teaching at some wonderful conferences, to include Writer Digest’s. I absolutely love writer’s conferences. You form professional connections and forge personal bonds. You learn from some of the industry’s best in-person which reminds you that they are, in fact, a person, just like you. You leave tired
- [Broken Noses](https://www.fightwrite.net/broken-noses/) - In this post, we are going to zero in on an often overlooked on the page, but all too common in real life, injury: the broken nose.
- [Carrying the Sword on the Back](https://www.fightwrite.net/carrying-the-sword-on-the-back/) - Can your character carry a sword on their back? Yes. Should they? Maybe. In this post we look at swords on the back and why the screen loves them there!
- [Using Two Swords](https://www.fightwrite.net/using-two-swords/) - The two-sword style spans across cultures and continents. That said it wasn’t the most common manner of using edged weapons and there is a good reason for that.
- [Realm Makers Slides](https://www.fightwrite.net/fightscenes101/)
- [Fight Write, Round Two Index](https://www.fightwrite.net/fight-write-round-two-index/) - In the process of formatting Fight Write, Round Two, some pages shifted automatically. As a result, some page numbers in the index are off. Here is the corrected index. Any books sold after June 20 should reflect that change. For everyone else, here is the corrected index. My apologies. And thank you so much for
- [Criminal Sketch Art](https://www.fightwrite.net/criminal-sketch-art/) - In this post with FightWrite®, we are going to look at what your character might encounter with a criminal sketch artist. Here are some insiders only tidbits
- [Dislocating A Thumb to Escape Handcuffs](https://www.fightwrite.net/dislocating-thumb-to-escape-handcuffs/) - Is dislocating a thumb to escape handcuffs a "thing?" Yes but not in the way you might think. If your character is escaping handcuffs, read on!
- [Escaping Handcuffs - Part Two](https://www.fightwrite.net/escaping-handcuffs/) - If your character needs help escaping handcuffs this post is for you. It is the second post in a series. it considers escaping cuffs without a thumb dislocation
- [The Truth About the Polygraph Test](https://www.fightwrite.net/the-polygraph-test/) - The truth is that polygraphs don't detect deception, may not be admissible in court, and your character can beat it. Want to know how? Keep reading
- [Psychopath/Sociopath - Organized/Disorganized](https://www.fightwrite.net/psychopath-sociopath-organized-disorganized/) - If you are trying to decide if your character is a psychopath or sociopath, this post is for you. They are both. And neither exist.
- [What Bullets Do to the Body & More](https://www.fightwrite.net/what-bullets-do-to-the-body/) - In this post we look at what a bullet does to a body, how it feels to be shot while wearing a bulletproof vest and a bit about bullets falling from the sky.
- [Firearms Stats - Where, Who, Aftercare](https://www.fightwrite.net/wounds-by-firearms-pt-1-stats-and-how-guns-do-damage/) - In this post we will look at some statistics regarding gun injuries and exactly how guns do damage. Hint: It's not just because the bullet makes a hole.
- [Wounds By Firearms Pt 2 Bullets and Wound Pics](https://www.fightwrite.net/wounds-by-firearms-2-explanation-of-caliber-and-wound-pics/) - This week we are going to look at bit closer at why different bullets do different damage and some examples of damage. WARNING: This post has graphic photos.
- [Injuries by Firearms Part 3 - Details](https://www.fightwrite.net/wounds-by-firearms-part-3-sensations-and-trauma-video/) - In this, the final post in our wounds by firearms series, we will look at a few details that could add more realism to character's injuries by firearms.
- [Where to Punch a Character and Why](https://www.fightwrite.net/where-to-punch-a-character/) - It's important to know where to punch a character, because where you punch your character will create certain responses.
- [Universal Facial Expressions](https://www.fightwrite.net/universal-facial-expressions/) - Facial expression can say far more than the words we say. In today's post we will look at those facial expressions that all of our characters will share.
- [Being a Good Writer (and Being Ok With It)](https://www.fightwrite.net/being-a-good-writer-and-being-ok-with-it/) - After ten years of professional writing, I had to come to terms with my own discomfort in saying that I'm good at what I do. After all, what is a "good writer?"
- [Writing Deception - Verbal Content and Style](https://www.fightwrite.net/writing-deception-verbal-content-and-style/) - In this post we'll look at how deception can be revealed through the very words our characters use to conceal it, and how it all relates to survival.
- [Fight Write Round Two Muchahuahua](https://www.fightwrite.net/fight-write-round-two-muchahuahua/) - This is a fight scene from Fight Write, Round Two, Chapter 10, for editing, critiquing or making a killer paper airplane.
- [How People Who Don't Know How to Fight, Fight?](https://www.fightwrite.net/how-people-who-dont-know-how-to-fight/) - How do people who don’t know how to fight, fight? I was asked this question by a writer through a book review and am so thankful for it. I am so entrenched in training and helping writers with fight scenes that I forget MOST PEOPLE DON'T KNOW HOW TO FIGHT! It is completely realistic, if
- [Fight Flight Responses for Characters](https://www.fightwrite.net/fight-flight-responses/) - How a character responds physically to threat is known as their fight/flight response. This response happens for the sole purpose of keeping us alive.
- [Trauma Responses For Characters](https://www.fightwrite.net/character-trauma-responses/) - Trauma responses are how we respond to emotional threat. How characters respond to emotional threat may not be how they respond to physical threat.
- [Writing Fighting Multiple Opponents](https://www.fightwrite.net/fighting-multiple-opponents/) - For this post, we will look at basic plans that any character, or writer, can follow when in the awful situation of fighting multiple opponents.
- [Writing a Fight Scene Step-by-Step](https://www.fightwrite.net/writing-a-fight-scene-step-by-step/) - Looking for a new way to write your fight scene? Check out this inventive step by step guide.
- [Blocking a Fight Scene - Mapping](https://www.fightwrite.net/how-to-block-a-fight-scene-with-mapping/) - When blocking a fight scene, it can be useful to use a map. Mapping the scene can help you get an overhead view of the scene and help you connect actions.
- [Write Fight Scenes with Dialogue Realistic?](https://www.fightwrite.net/fight-scenes-with-dialogue/) - Is it realistic to write a fight scene with dialogue. Don't listen to me, listen to the facts and the facts will surprise you.
- [Don't Write Authentic Fight Scenes](https://www.fightwrite.net/dont-write-authentic-fight-scenes/) - When it comes to writing fight scenes, aim for realism rather than authenticity.
- [Describing Pain for Writers and their Character](https://www.fightwrite.net/describing-pain/) - Looking for a word to describe that pain? Here are some adjectives for pain as well as descriptions of the five major types of pain. ENJOY!
- [NaNoWriMo Fight Scene Guide](https://www.fightwrite.net/nanowrimo-fight-scene-guide/) - The goal of NaNoWriMo is to get that manuscript out of your head and onto the screen.Here is FightWrite™’s quick and dirty guide to NaNoWriMo fight scenes.
- [Types of Punches](https://www.fightwrite.net/types-of-punches/) - Here's a little compendium of the types punches as well as a proper fight stance which directly affects them. I'm not including martial arts specific strikes.
- [Fight Scenes With Magic](https://www.fightwrite.net/fight-scenes-with-magic/) - Magic in fight scenes is a vast and deep subject. By magic I also mean any super ability, not just the wizardy kind. Here are few basics of battling magic.
- [Recovering from Blood Loss](https://www.fightwrite.net/recovering-from-blood-loss/) - If the character in your work has lost blood, how long it will take them to recover depends on several factors. There is no definite timeline.
- [Bullwhips Use & Bullwhip Injuries](https://www.fightwrite.net/bullwhips-use-bullwhip-injuries/) - If there are bullwhip injuries in your work you need to know not only what a bullwhip does to the body but the type of bullwhip you are writing
- [Emergency Room Terms for Writers](https://www.fightwrite.net/emergency-room-terms/) - Where there is a fight, there is often injury. If your character ends up in the ER, here are some emergency room terms that might be said and/or written.
- [Where Your Fight Scene Takes Place](https://www.fightwrite.net/where-a-fight-takes-place/) - When writing a fight scene, where it takes place is of the utmost importance. In fact, where a fight takes place is more important than who is fighting.
- [Writing Weapons of Opportunity](https://www.fightwrite.net/writing-weapons-of-opportunity/) - A weapon of opportunity is any item not designed to be a weapon used as such. How you and your character can find them in your fight scene.
- [What Fight Scenes Can Do For Your Story](https://www.fightwrite.net/what-fight-scenes-can-do-for-your-story/) - What fight scenes can do a lot for your story is a lot! Like, a lot, a lot. Stuff that goes far beyond the fray. Don’t dismiss them as a one-dimensional. A fight scene can be so much more than a moment of action, a scene that just gets left behind as the story progresses.
- [What Happens in an Autopsy - for Writers](https://www.fightwrite.net/what-happens-in-an-autopsy/) - If an autopsy is in your work in progress, this post is for you. You might be surprised who can perform one and why a plastic bag is involved.
- [Why Your Character is Fighting](https://www.fightwrite.net/why-your-character-is-fighting/) - Why a fight is happening changes the fight because the why changes the characters. Change the why and the why changes you.
- [The CSI Effect - Evidence Readers Expect to See](https://www.fightwrite.net/csi-effect/) - The CSI Effect is the belief that TV crime shows are effecting the decisions of juries and it exists. There is evidence juries and your readers expect to see!
- [CSI Myths to Avoid in your Writing](https://www.fightwrite.net/csi-myths/) - If you are using CSI TV shows as reference for your work, you might want to reconsider. A lot of what you see are CSI myths.
- [Types of Crime Scene Evidence](https://www.fightwrite.net/types-of-crime-scene-evidence/) - In this post, we will look at different types of evidence you might write into a crime scene in your work. We will focus on physical evidence.
- [Collecting Evidence Step by Step](https://www.fightwrite.net/collecting-evidence/) - Collecting evidence is far more involved than what is shown on the screen. In this post we will look at the evidence chain of custody.
- [Injuries by Magic: Four Things to Consider](https://www.fightwrite.net/injuries-by-magic/) - Here are four things you might want to consider if your fight scene has injuries by magic: the world, the rules, the reader and the repercussions.
- [Fight Scene Critique With Writer's Digest](https://www.fightwrite.net/fight-scene-critique/) - Fight scene critique - In this post we will look at a scene as a whole then specific issues with the fighting. We will then look at how to fix the issues.
- [How to Punch - Step by Step for Writers](https://www.fightwrite.net/how-to-punch-step-by-step/) - In this post writers will learn how to punch, why proper technique matters and why their character shouldn't punch hard to punch hard!
- [Decomposition Stages](https://www.fightwrite.net/decomposition-stages/) - Decomposition stages as well as the stages of death from the moment the soul begins to leave the body until the body meets with the soil.
- [Fight Write, Round Two Motivation](https://www.fightwrite.net/fight-write-round-two-motivation/) - Hello FIGHTWRITER! If you made it to this page, it's highly possible that you bought my book. Thank you for that. Here's a little story I didn't put in the book. It was a turning point for me as a writer, that's for certain. I went to my very first book conference, ACFW, back in,
- [Where People Are Stabbed](https://www.fightwrite.net/where-people-are-stabbed/) - - Where People Are Stabbed If your character is wielding a knife or on the receiving end of a blade, you might be surprised where that blade is most likely to land - literally - in two ways. In this post, we will look at both where people are stabbed, both on the body and in
- [Jousting for Writers](https://www.fightwrite.net/joustingforwriters/) - If a joust is in your work, this post is for you. Your jousting character will learn to dress the part, follow the rules and hit their mark.
- [Blood Pattern Evidence](https://www.fightwrite.net/blood-pattern-evidence/) - A look at blood pattern evidence and the issues you can write to help your character in court. Blood is notoriously tricky to read!
- [Fighting a Bloodied Opponent](https://www.fightwrite.net/bloodyopponent/) - For most of us, bloody battles are only experienced passively from a theater seat or couch. Thank heavens for that. Those who create those scenes on screen do their best to make the wounds and blood lifelike. I’ve handled stage blood. It definitely has the viscosity and flow of the real deal. Special effects have
- [Story Embers Conference Notes](https://www.fightwrite.net/story-embers-conference-notes/)
- [Fight Scene Pacing](https://www.fightwrite.net/fight-scene-pacing/) - Fight scene pacing is about the flow of the action in the scene. Basically, it's where you put the breaks in the action and what you put in those breaks. I wish there were a concrete formula for this sort of thing or a Bob Ross that would guide you along step-by-step. Writing the Action
- [Block a Fight Scene Tip](https://www.fightwrite.net/block-a-fight-scene/) - In this post, we are going to look at a little tip to you help you block a fight scene. writing the action in your fight scene I am a believer in blocking a fight scene out on paper. Yes, paper. I like to go over the actions start to finish then go back and
- [Fight Scenes - How Much to Write](https://www.fightwrite.net/fight-scenes-how-much-to-write/) - Today we are going to look at how much to write in a fight scene and the good news is, not nearly as much as you think. Quite often writers tell me that they struggle to write the action of their fight scene. They wonder how much to write in a fight scene, when
- [Writing Scenes With Sparring](https://www.fightwrite.net/writing-scenes-with-sparring/) - #Sparring scenes matter. To write great scenes with sparring, we first need to understand what sparring is, isn't, and what makes them great. If you look up “the best fighting movies of all time,” you will see a great deal of overlap in the top ten. I have seen many of those films and they character development #
- [Writing Poison - Medical Jargon](https://www.fightwrite.net/writing-poison-medical-jargon/) - In the post, How Women Kill, we saw that women are six times more likely than a man to kill with poison, not Poison, the 80s hair band featured here. I had to post that pic. How could I not? Look at them! They're like something aliens would keep as pets! Aaah, the 80s. Writing
- [Writing Poison](https://www.fightwrite.net/writing-poison/) - In this round on FightWrite, we will look at how to write poison into your work. In our last round at FightWrite.net, we looked at medical jargon associated with the effects of common poisons, venoms and toxins, which aren't the same thing. If you didn't know that, hop on over to that post and poke
- [Redirecting Momentum](https://www.fightwrite.net/redirecting-momentum/) - Does your character needs to redirect momentum to save their life? Not even sure what that is? Well, this post is for you. Redirecting momentum Redirecting Momentum is All Physics Newton's First Law states, in part, that an object moving in a straight line wants to keep moving in a straight line. The faster that
- [Writing Poisonous Plants and Snakes](https://www.fightwrite.net/writing-poisonous-plants-and-snakes/) - If you are joining the show late, our first installment on poisoning explained some of the medical jargon you will encounter here. Part two covered various types of poison and their effects. In this, our third and final round on poisoning, we are going looking at flora and fauna. Now, there's a ton of poisonous plants
- [How to Fight a Turkey](https://www.fightwrite.net/how-to-fight-a-turkey/) - In honor of Thanksgiving I thought we'd look at how to fight a turkey. I get questions about fighting fantastic creatures "on the regular." My advice is always for the writer to find the closest real animal equivalent, if at all possible, and look at how that animal fights. If your fantastic creature or being
- [How to Headbutt](https://www.fightwrite.net/how-to-headbutt/) - Happy holidays, fightwriters! On this round of FightWrite we are taking a question from fightwriter, Cindy Emmet Smith. She asks how to headbutt : I have a question for you about the headbutt thing. If it is hard enough to hurt the other guy, doesn't it hurt both equally? Unless one is Klingon. I see
- [Writing PTSD 2](https://www.fightwrite.net/writing-ptsd-2/) - In our last round at FightWrite.net, we looked at some of the most common symptoms of PTSD. In this post on writing PTSD, we will zero in on intrusive thoughts and insomnia. Intrusive Thoughts Writing PTSD An intrusive thought is one which pops up repeatedly in your head. Sometimes it intrudes randomly. Sometimes it is
- [Writing PTSD 1](https://www.fightwrite.net/writing-ptsd/) - We just finished up a series on wounds by firearms and touched on the subject of PTSD. Over the next few posts we are going to look closer at PTSD and how it affects the characters we write. This week we will look at some of the most common symptoms of PTSD. And, in the
- [Showing Fear and Anxiety](https://www.fightwrite.net/ptsd-3-fear-and-anxiety/) - First things first, my book is out in just a few weeks! Pre Order!!! Ok, in our last round on FightWrite.net we looked at how the PTSD symptoms of intrusive thoughts and insomnia manifest in the behavior of our characters. In this round, we will look at fear and anxiety more closely. Fear and
- [What Writers Can Learn from John Wick](https://www.fightwrite.net/what-writers-can-learn-from-john-wick/) - First things first, my book, Fight Write: How to Write Believable Fight Scenes, hits shelves June 11!!! If you would like to be entered into a drawing for a free, signed copy, ❤️ this post on Instagram, #fightwriteJohnWick, and follow me on the same. Simple as that. I will choose a winner before June 15,
- [What Writers Can Learn About Knives from John Wick](https://www.fightwrite.net/what-writers-can-learn-about-knives-from-john-wick/) - I recently did a podcast on this very subject on iTunes, Spotify, Google Play If you have a few minutes give it a listen. And hey, while you're at it, just go ahead and subscribe. 😃 How to use a knife Writers, if you have not seen any of the John Wick movies, fret not. You
- [Blood Loss and Fighting](https://www.fightwrite.net/blood-loss/) - Our featured FightWriter this month is the wonderful Janeen Ippolito. She asks a bit about blood loss: How much blood does someone have to lose before it affects their ability to fight? Does how fast or slow you're bleeding out affect fighting ability significantly? Is making someone bleed an effective way of killing them? In
- [Calling 911 Around the World](https://www.fightwrite.net/calling-911-around-the-world/) - Well, your character has gone and done it. They went and killed somebody. What is a writer to do? First and foremost, a writer has to get things right. Over the next few posts we will be looking at how a murder scene is addressed from the moment an first responder call is made until
- [Shame, Guilt and Regret](https://www.fightwrite.net/shame-guilt-and-regret/) - If you have read my book, Fight Write: How to Write Believable Fight Scenes, you are familiar with how fighting/violence is entangled with human emotion. The former simply can't be separated from the latter. And, from the standpoint of writing, I believe the emotions surrounding a fight scene are far more important than the blocking
- [Crime Scene Clean Up - Post Mortem Biohazards](https://www.fightwrite.net/post-mortem-biohazards/) - In this post on our crime scene cleaning series, we will look a bit at the biohazards involved. If you are new to the term, a biohazard aka biological hazard is a biological substance that poses a threat to the health of living organisms, primarily humans. Crime Scene Cleaning Crime Scene Cleaning - Writer Questions
- [Adrenaline - The Un-Sunny Side](https://www.fightwrite.net/adrenaline-the-un-sunny-side/) - I regret not calling this series, "Adrenaline: Your Frenemy." It has a very dramatic, tabloidy feel and when I think tabloid, I think dirt. And, that's what we're going to dig up in this post: the dirt on adrenaline. Effects of Adrenaline I'm often asked what pet peeves I have with fight scenes in
- [Adrenaline: The Sunny Side](https://www.fightwrite.net/adrenaline-the-sunny-side/) - When the brain perceives danger, it goes to work. It diverts energy and blood flow from internal organs to muscles, increases heart rate and blood pressure, expands airways in the lungs, enlarges the pupils and alters the metabolism to maximize blood glucose levels. And, that's just the beginning. It also tells the adrenal glands to release
- [Crime Scenes: Call to Clean-Up, Pt 2 Dispatch, EMS, FD, PD](https://www.fightwrite.net/crime-scenes-call-to-clean-up-pt-2-dispatch-ems-fd-pd/) - In our last post in this series we looked at how to dial emergency around the world. Today we will look at the process of dispatch to the crime scene and what happens right after. When a call is placed When a call is placed to 911, the first thing the dispatcher does is
- [Crime Scene Cleaning](https://www.fightwrite.net/crime-scene-cleaners/) - After the corpse has been collected and all evidence documented and bagged, what's left at a crime scene is a big ole' mess. And, I don't mean dirty dishes. Human matter doth abound. That is generally the end of the scene in movies and books but the fact is somebody cleans up that mess. And
- [Crime Scene Cleaning Pt 2 - Writer Questions](https://www.fightwrite.net/crime-scene-cleaning-pt-2-writer-questions/) - Recently on the FightWrite podcast, I interviewed David Morales of BioTechs Crime and Trauma Cleaning Services. He was kind enough to do two interviews with me regarding crime scene cleaning. In the first he told me a bit about his job. I've done a summary post about that interview here. The second part of
- [Fighting Monsters](https://www.fightwrite.net/fighting-monsters/) - More than any genre, I mentor writers of Speculative Fiction. You know, sci fi, fantasy, horror, superheroes, all the wonderfully weird stuff. So, fighting monsters is a subject near and dear to my heart. In fact, I’ve probably helped characters kill more monsters than men. There are some monsters that come with a ready-made
- [Fighting in Water - Featured FightWriter: Linda Kozar -](https://www.fightwrite.net/8093-2/) - Featured Fightwriter: Linda Kozar If two people are fighting on land and they tumble into the water, how do the dynamics change in terms of punches? If there’s a knife, wouldn’t the water slow things down? I would imagine it would effect how well you are able to see your opponent as well. How would
- [Perineum Stab](https://www.fightwrite.net/perineumstab/) - Welcome to your corner! As this is the first FightWriter's Corner let me tell you how it works. You send in a question and the corner answers it. Simple as that. And, like any good coach, I promote my fighters. If yours is the featured question, you are the featured FightWriter. I will happily spotlight
- [What Fighters Think About While Fighting](https://www.fightwrite.net/what-fighters-think-about-while-fighting/) - I got a question on "the Tweeter," recently that, I have to say, I've received more than a dozen times. What do fighters think about while fighting? Very good question and the answer is probably not what you think. I answered Tim's question in the most recent episode of the FightWrite podcast. But, I figured
- [What Your Character Should NOT Do When they Punch](https://www.fightwrite.net/what-your-character-should-not-do-when-they-punch/) - "He clenched his fist tightly and swung hard." Ever read that? It makes sense. For your fist to be solid, it makes sense that you'd clench it tightly. And for your punch to hit like a wrecking ball, seems like you'd want to swing it like one. The thing is, clenched fists aren't as solid
- [Carrying a Sword on Your Back](https://www.fightwrite.net/carrying-a-sword-on-your-back/) - Kirk vetted the blade portions of my book for accuracy. Due to the public outcry that begged the question, can you carry a sword on your back, I did a podcast with edged weapons expert, Kirk McCune. Kirk is a Bahala Na Master but his expertise extends to swords of the Western world as well.
- [How to Move a Corpse for WRITERS](https://www.fightwrite.net/how-to-move-a-corpse-for-writers/) - As a fight scene editor and writing instructor, I get asked some pretty odd questions: The most efficient way to go through a portal if some one is shooting at you. How to move a corpse. The best weaponry for use on the back of a dragon. How to outrun a robot in the docking
- [Writing Prompts for Kids!](https://www.fightwrite.net/writing-prompts-for-kids/) - A lot of us are on lockdown right now due to COVID-19. To help kiddos occupy their time during this "viral occupation” here are some writing prompts and activities to help them sharpen their FightWrite™ skills and have a little fun too. FightWrite Subject Index Create a creature! Draw a creature with one super power.
- [Writing Action - What Not To Write](https://www.fightwrite.net/writing-action-what-not-to-write/) - In our last Writing Action we looked at judo responses to toilet paper theft. We looked at the video and ways to write what was seen in a particular throw. Today we are going to look a little closer at writing action and what you should and shouldn't include. Here was my summary of my
- [Writing Action - Making The Reader Wince](https://www.fightwrite.net/writing-action-making-the-reader-wince/) - In Writing Action - Large Movement, we focused on our characters and their movements in fight scenes. In Writing Action - What Not to Write we focused on us writers and what we should avoid when writing a fight scene. Today, we are going to look at how our readers' brains connect with in a
- [Writing Action - Large Movement](https://www.fightwrite.net/writing-action-large-movements/) - It stands to reason that the present pandemic will be the setting for future books. As that is the case, I thought this little video might help your character weather the viral storm. At the same time, we will use them as reference for writing action and what to look for. Writers, as you
- [Breaking Zip Ties - For Writers](https://www.fightwrite.net/breaking-zip-ties-for-writers/) - Zip ties are little strips of plastic used to bind items together. I'm not sure who came up these suckers, but they are amazing things. They have a myriad of uses...including binding hands and feet. Seriously, you don't have to watch too many crime shows or movies to see zip ties in action as make-shift
- [How Your Female Fighter Looks](https://www.fightwrite.net/how-your-female-fighter-looks/) - We are in the middle of a series on building a female fighting character. In our last round on FightWrite™ we looked at how women fight differently than men. Or, actually, how they DON'T. This round we are going to consider what your female fighting character looks like. Or, actually, how she likely DOESN'T. If
- [Picking a Fighting Style for Your Character - Era/Culture](https://www.fightwrite.net/picking-a-fight-for-your-character-part-1/) - In this, the third post in the series of writing a female fighting character, we are going to help you in picking a fighting style for your deadly dame. Or dude. This applies to both. We're all about equality at FightWrite™. We will punch any gender, any time. Writing Female Fighters How Your Female Fighter
- [Picking a Fighting Style for Your Character 2 - Site](https://www.fightwrite.net/picking-a-fighting-style-for-your-character-2/) - We are in a series on writing female fighters. In the first post we considered how she fights. In the second post, how she looks. In the third post we looked at how era and culture have their impacts on choosing a fighting style for ANY CHARACTER. I also did a podcast on this btw.
- [Writing Female Fighters](https://www.fightwrite.net/writing-female-fighters/) - One of the questions I am asked most often is, from a technical perspective, how do women fight differently than men? In other words, if your female character carries a sword, how will her sword work differ from that of male characters? How will her hand-to-hand combat differ? Her wrestling? Her (insert fighting style here)?
- [How to Punch](https://www.fightwrite.net/how-to-punch/) - We are in the midst of a series on writing female fighters. The most recent post discussed how to pick a fighting style for ANY character. I thought it would be a good idea to take a break and actually learn how to punch. What your character should NOT do when they punch. This video
- [Fight Technique for Writers - X Choke](https://www.fightwrite.net/x-choke/) - All along I help record videos for a site called BJJSoul.com. Recently I recorded an X choke that you absolutely can do to someone wearing a jacket or coat. You may find it useful in your work. Here's the basics of the choke and then the technique. After, I will tell you some things to
- [Fight Scenes with Injured Characters](https://www.fightwrite.net/fight-scenes-with-injured-characters/) - Where there is a fight, there's generally an injury. And, if you are writing fight scenes, chances are you will have to write a fight scene with injured characters. When that is the case, there are things you have to think about before you even consider the wound. I did a short IGTV post on
- [Using Animals in Fight Scenes](https://www.fightwrite.net/animals-in-fight-scenes/) - I get questions on the regular regarding animals in fight scenes. Often I am asked how to combat that. But, recently, I was asked how to do combat alongside them. Hmmmmm. Very interesting. Animals have long been used in battle. Horses, elephants, camels, dogs, lions and pigs have all been documented as a part of
- [10 Lies About Fighting Writers Shouldn't Believe](https://www.fightwrite.net/ten-lies-about-fighting/) - In my years of working with writers on writing fight scenes, there's a few misconceptions that I see in their work or hear them say fairly often. I thought I would dispel a few of those lies about fighting in this post today. I have also done a YouTube video on it. If you haven't
- [Carrying a Katana on Your Back](https://www.fightwrite.net/carrying-a-katana-on-your-back/) - This past weekend at the Realm Makers convention, I had the privilege of speaking to a great group of writers about creating fight scenes. I was asked some really good questions, a couple of which stood out. So, over the next few weeks, I will be discussing a few of those. Today we will look
- [Liver Punch](https://www.fightwrite.net/liver-punches/) - In my humble opinion, one most under-appreciated strikes is one to the liver aka the liver punch, liver shot. Liver punches will absolutely bring down an opponent and, if hard enough, can even cause them to lose consciousness. Granted, a hard blow to just about any organ can do that. The sudden trauma to the
- [Cauliflower Ear](https://www.fightwrite.net/cauliflower-ear/) - Cauliflower ear is the result of a blunt trauma to the ear or repeated Boxer at Rest, Greece, ca. 300 BC roughing such as you have in rugby, wrestling, jiujitsu and judo. The pericardium of the ear separates from the cartilage and swelling occurs as blood fills the space. If not drained, within 7-10 days
- [Attacked by More Than One Person](https://www.fightwrite.net/attacked-by-more-than-one-person/) - I recently met with a lady who has the unfortunate knowledge of what it's like to be attacked by more than one person. I asked her to recount the events and she generously indulged me. Notice what she felt emotionally and physically as well as what she didn't. Note what was on her mind and
- [How a Fighter Feels After the Fight - Bubba Bush](https://www.fightwrite.net/how-a-fighter-feels-after-the-fight/) - I asked former UFC fighter and three time Legacy middleweight champ Bubba Bush to write how a feels after a fight. I figured he'd detail sore muscles, stitches and the ilk. Nope. He went straight for the heart of it. I like that about him. He's completely honest. What he detailed, in his words,
- [Fighting a Larger Opponent - Pt 2](https://www.fightwrite.net/fighting-a-larger-opponent-2/) - In our last round, we discussed size disparity and strikes. You now know the correct way to both kick and punch. You also know how to combat these strikes and how to get in close. So, there your character is, staring straight into the chest of their opponent. Now what?
- [Fighting a Larger Opponent - Striking](https://www.fightwrite.net/fighting-a-larger-opponent/) - Is your character fighting a larger opponent? Of course they are! That's how it always is and a question I am often asked is what should the smaller character do. In this post, we are going to just look at the striking aspect of it all. But, before addressing how to deal with fighting a
- [Blade Damage - Knife Wounds (GRAPHIC)](https://www.fightwrite.net/blade-damage-knife-wounds-explicit/) - Let's talk about knife wounds, shall we? Blades are special weapons. Not only do they injure, but they do so in such a way that both combatants experience the attack. Purposely choosing a blade over a gun can show a higher level or rage and deeper need to physically experience the suffering of the victim.
- [Picking a Fighting Style - Your Character](https://www.fightwrite.net/picking-a-fighting-style/) - Ok, fightwriters, let's get down to the nitty gritty. You've considered the setting of your work and what manner of combat is most appropriate given the geography and culture etc. Now, let's go over picking a fighting style for your character based solely on your character. First and foremost, there is no best martial
- [X-Choke Arm Bar](https://www.fightwrite.net/x-choke-arm-bar/) - I do Brazilian jiu-jitsu and all along I am asked to do videos for BJJSoul. In my Writer's Digest/Penguin book, Fight Write: How to Write Believable Fight Scenes, I go over several ground positions. Be sure to check that out. In this post I will go over what I can a x-choke arm bar. I
- [Character Size and Fighting Styles](https://www.fightwrite.net/character-size-and-fighting-style/) - Okeedoke, we are finishing this fighting style series today! Be sure to check out the previous posts on the subject because several things can influence which fighting style is best for your character. Today, we are looking only at the character size and fighting styles that might suit each hand-to-hand combat. I will mention bleeding
- [Street Fighting vs Sanctioned Fighting - Savannah Grace](https://www.fightwrite.net/street-fighting-vs-sanctioned-fighting-savannah-grace/) - FightWriter and freelance editor Savannah Grace asks FightWrite™ about street fighting - I've got a character who grew up in a gang, and I'm trying to figure out how to properly write his fighting style, since he would use non-traditionally-taught fighting styles that he picked up on the street. Do you have any tips/posts/videos on
- [An Editor's Perspective on Writing Fight Scenes](https://www.fightwrite.net/an-editors-perspective-on-writing-fight-scenes/) - Before our manuscript makes it to the shelf, it should go through an editor. I cannot stress this enough. Editors are able to see not only errors in your work but opportunities as well. They make your work the best it can be while still allowing it to be your work. And I highly-er (I'm
- [How to Write a Fight Scene That Flows and Is Easy to Follow](https://www.fightwrite.net/writing-a-fight-scene-that-flows-and-is-easy-to-follow/) - I put a call out on Instagram for fight scene questions. @head_over_heels_for_books asked, "How can I write a fight scene that flows and is easy to follow?" Super great question which I answered on IGTV. But, I will include the answer here as well. IGTV - Making Fight Scenes Flow and Easy to Follow
- [Threatening with a Weapon - Why John Wick Doesn't](https://www.fightwrite.net/threatening-with-a-weapon-why-john-wick-doesnt/) - I have a regular post on the Writer's Digest Blog writing fight scenes! (Imagine that!) In my most recent post, I made a statement about threatening with a weapon which caused a wee bit of a stir on the social media: Our characters should never use a knife simply to intimidate because the presence
- [Welcome back Kata! - Bo and Jo Staff Basics](https://www.fightwrite.net/bo-and-jo-staff-basics/) - Some time back on the YouTube, FightWrite featured Jo Kata 13 as an intro to bo and jo staff basics. Well, recently, writer Arysta Henry reached out to me and asked to post something about quarterstaffs. I mentioned that I had a jo kata on the channel but then realized it might need a little
- [Predicting Assault W/ and W/O Weapons](https://www.fightwrite.net/physical-cues-predicting-assault-w-and-w-o-weapons/) - We've been in a series regarding blades and the damage they cause. For today's installment, we're going to hit the rewind button and look at what leads up to blade damage. We're going to examine precursors to attack. Not fight. Attack. In order for a fight scene to be realistic, everything leading up to it
- [For Subscribers Only!!!](https://www.fightwrite.net/for-subscribers-only/)
- [Subscribers Only - Getting "Classy"](https://www.fightwrite.net/subscribers-only-getting-classy/)
- [Dark Matter Fight Scene - Featured FightWriter: Lisa Godfrees](https://www.fightwrite.net/featured-fightwriter-lisa-godfrees/) - Featured FightWriter: Lisa Godfrees Lisa writes: I have a question for you. I LOVE the show Dark Matter (Have you seen it?) but it drives me crazy in all the fight scenes where people continually spin away from each other and the other person waits patiently for them to spin all the way around before
- [Killing a Horse & Fighting with Compromised Limbs - Featured FightWriter: Serena Dawson](https://www.fightwrite.net/featured-fightwriter-serena-dawson-killing-a-horse-fighting-with-compromised-limbs/) - Serena DawsonOver the next few weeks I'm going to concentrate on FightWriter questions. The first is from Serena Dawson.What is a realistic way for a person on foot to kill a horse? Pole axe? Sword?And what move/moves could a highly skilled warrior who has compromised legs use against another of equal strength and ability, (but
- [Bringin' a Knife to a Gun Fight, Chop vs Punch - FightWriters Luke Scott & Johne Cook](https://www.fightwrite.net/fightwriters-luke-scott-johne-cook-chop-vs-punch-and-bringin-a-knife-to-a-gun-fight/) - This is the second week in a series where we will focus solely on FightWriter questions. In this round, we compare chops and punches and bring a knife to a gun fight. Luke Scott: Why don't you see karate chop strikes in MMA? They were great for board breaking when I was a kid. Is
- [How Realistic Are Martial Arts in a Real Fight - Featured FightWriter: S. E. M. Ishida -](https://www.fightwrite.net/featured-fightwriter-s-e-m-ishida-how-realistic-are-martial-arts-in-a-real-fight/) - Our question this week is from FightWriter S. E. M. Ishida:I'm curious to know how martial arts fighting styles compare to actual fighting. I recently started learning a martial art, and I hope that learning it will help me when I write fight scenes. Are certain martial arts/fighting styles more "realistic" than others? Do you
- [Fighting in Zero-G - FightWriter: Jonathan Clay:](https://www.fightwrite.net/fightwriter-jonathan-clay-fighting-in-zero-g/) - This week's FighterWriter, Jonathan Clay, asks: How would hand to hand combat change in a zero-g environment (say, on the ISS)? Good question. Any time I explain how something works, or doesn’t work, I try my best to use science for several reasons. One, science is something to which we can all relate. You don't have
- [Surviving a Throat Cut - Featured FightWriter: Heather Titus](https://www.fightwrite.net/featured-fightwriter-heather-titus-surviving-a-throat-cut/) - Our featured FightWriter Heather Titus asks: Can a character survive his throat being cut? That is a very good question. And, I will counter it with a few of my own: Is the attack from the front or the back? And, what sort of knife is being used? Both of those matter because each affects the
- [Not Really a Post](https://www.fightwrite.net/not-really-a-post/) - There is zero helpful info in this. It's just for giggles. Recently I had to record some promos for some cool things coming up. It took about 6 hours to get 2 minutes of footage. Film editors have the patience of Job. Any who, here are some things that I had to cut. Enjoy...
- [Body Punches - The Cons and the Defense](https://www.fightwrite.net/body-punches-cons-and-defenses/) - In our last round, I discussed the pros of punches to the body. And, as much as I love them, they have many disadvantages. We'll take a look at those as well as body punch defense.Note how Joanna guards her chin with her shoulder as she punches1. First, with any strike, you leave yourself vulnerable. This
- [Fighting Robots](https://www.fightwrite.net/fighting-robots/) - More than once an author has asked me how their character could beat a robot. And, they do so with a tone that suggests it's impossible. Folks, what have I always said about fighting? There are no absolutes. That includes robots. Ok, so let's break this down. First, we need a clear picture of the
- [Would You Kill A Robot?](https://www.fightwrite.net/would-you-kill-a-robot/) - In the post Fighting Robots we looked at ways to best a robot. The goal, of course, being either to thwart the thing or kill it. I got a lot of great feedback on that post and have mentored plenty of authors in ways to kill various and sundry robots. But then I listened to
- [Types of Kicks](https://www.fightwrite.net/types-of-kicks/) - I was hip deep in a post on creating combos when I realized that I have never done a post on kicking. That won't do. Kicks are wonderful tools that can deliver devastating damage. However, delivered incorrectly, that damage will be to the giver rather than receiver. See my post on Stupid Kicks to see what can
- [Two Sword Fighting - Estilo Macabebe](https://www.fightwrite.net/two-sword-fighting-estilo-macabebe/) - GME Leo M. Giron who introduced Bahala Na to the US. He served as a secret operative under Gen. Macarthur. I addressed the two sword fighting style on the most recent FightWrite.net edition of The Geek Block. Specifically I spoke of the Estilo Macabebe, a Bahala Na fighting style. The first video tells a bit of
- [The WHY Changes the Fight](https://www.fightwrite.net/the-why-changes-the-fight/) - In The Art of War, Sun Tzu advises, “to a surroundedenemy, you must leave a way of escape.” Why? Because it changes why the enemy is fighting, and the why changes the fight. The skill of the soldiers won’t change. The weaponry and terrain will remain the same. However, without an exit, without an alternative
- [The Claymore - The Good and The Not Great](https://www.fightwrite.net/the-claymore-the-good-and-the-not-great/) - Ah, the Claymore: the zenith of metal work in a fantasy writer's cache of weaponry. All is lost until the fateful moment the hero grips the hilt of the mighty weapon. Why? Because it's a Claymore dang it! That's why! The truth is, the Claymore is in fact a wonderful weapon. It does well what
- [Swordbreakers](https://www.fightwrite.net/swordbreakers/) - Sometimes the best way to battle a blade is to destroy it.Thus, swordbreakers. Several cultures used truncheons to battle and break blades, and the Chinese Swordbreaker could be used as an iron baton. However, it and the European Swordbreaker also had piercing blades which is why I'm featuring them. I'm a fan of two for
- [Sword Forging](https://www.fightwrite.net/sword-forging/) - Now THIS is a Santa Claus! Bam! After last week's post on blades, I thought it would be a good idea to show how some are made. Of the many different sword making videos I watched, these are my favorite. The first URL is from a Korean website. It shows old word sword making start
- [Suturing With Needles and Bugs](https://www.fightwrite.net/suturing-with-needles-and-bugs/) - On the heels of our series regarding blade damage, I thought it appropriate to look at stitches. If your character has been injured by a blade, there may indeed be a suture in their future. How do you know? Well according to the Cleveland Clinic, your character needs stitches if their wound is: * Deep
- [Stupid Kicks](https://www.fightwrite.net/stupid-kicks/) - In order to describe a stupid kick, I need to explain a smart one. A proper kick makes contact on the fleshy portion of the shin on either side of the bone aka blade. To do that, you need to make an up chop or a down chop by turning the hip over. In both
- [Staph](https://www.fightwrite.net/staph/) - Staph in it's cute, plush form. It’s a hearty little bacterial infection that can cause anything from a small, yellow crusted sore to an all out antibiotic resistant infection i.e. MRSA. And, approximately 25% of folks carry it, regardless of cleanliness, without showing any symptoms. Thankfully, with proper hygiene, contracting Staph is generally avoidable. And, most
- [Knife Vocab and a Great Video!](https://www.fightwrite.net/knife-vocab-and-a-great-video/) - All weapons look as they do for a reason. That includes knives. Occasionally you will find some that have little additions here and there that are simply for the sake of looking awesome. Mostly, however, every tiny bit serves the purpose for which the blade profile, or shape, was designed. And, yes, different blade profiles
- [Jo Staff](https://www.fightwrite.net/the-jo-staff/) - I recently had the pleasure of teaching at the Realm Makers writer's conference. When not teaching I had one-on-one mentor appointments with writers who were working out fight scenes. We looked at disarms, blocked movement, played with weaponry and just plain ole' brain stormed. In brainstorming, writers asked for weapons suggestions. A weapon that I
- [Improvised Weaponry Part Dos](https://www.fightwrite.net/improvised-weaponry-part-dos/) - I've gotten some amusing responses from my last post on improvised weaponry. Yes, I really do look around for this sort of thing. And, I carry a weapon just about all the time. I'm not paranoid, I'm simply aware that I'm assailable. And, being mindful of that, ironically, keeps me safer. Even if your character,
- [Improvised Weaponry](https://www.fightwrite.net/improvised-weaponry/) - – and so will youHere’s a few non traditional items that can be used for self defense. Some will simply buy your character some time and that may be enough. Some will injure and a few could very well dispatch if wielded well. I’ve organized them by location and given a brief description of use.
- [Human Bites](https://www.fightwrite.net/human-bites/) - A human bite is a nasty thing. While any bite that breaks the skin can become infected, human bites have a very high incidence of complications. About 10-12% become infected, the majority of those bites occurring on the hand. Human bites marks are distinctive. While animal bites often leave triangular or circular
- [How Women Kill](https://www.fightwrite.net/how-women-kill/) - Female hostility is different than that of men. However, it’s the male version with which we are most familiar. That’s what is generally depicted on page and screen. But, be not deceived. Though the end result of female violence may be the same as a male, the path leading there is quite different. Although statistically
- [Hitting a Pro](https://www.fightwrite.net/hitting-a-pro/) - Disparity between combatants is the most common issue that authors present to me. Either one combatant is larger than the other or of far greater skill. I will tell all of you as I do them: there's no magic formula for leveling the playing field. Even if there were, a level playing field isn't the
- [Healing Time](https://www.fightwrite.net/healing-time/) - I've been so excited about this post and I want to say first and foremost thank you to my friend Amber Schoech for sharing these with me. It has been an honor to watch her grow as a fighter over the last few years. She's tough, she works hard and she has huge heart!
- [Getting Hit in the Face](https://www.fightwrite.net/getting-hit-in-the-face/) - In our last round, I explained why knockouts happen, the science behind them. In this round, we're going to look at the reality of things. How it feels to take a hard shot to the face and how it feels after the fact. I reached out to three pals from Brazos Valley MMA. Two have
- [Firearms Part II - Rifles & Shotguns](https://www.fightwrite.net/firearms-part-ii-rifles-shotguns/) - Just as in my last post regarding firearms, Firearms Part I, Handguns, I'm not addressing military grade or anything from the Star Wars catalog. Regarding the latter, I'm attaching a Mythbusters episode regarding whether a blaster can really be dodged. (Can we just pause a moment in honor of Adam, Jamie and the whole lot? I
- [Firearms Part I - Handguns](https://www.fightwrite.net/firearms-part-i-handguns/) - Oh, this gal... Bullets, caliber and recoil, OH MY! Bullet - single projectile firing from a firearm Shell/Cartridge - a casing that holds bullets or tiny projectiles often called “shot” Single Shot - Exactly that, one shot. Used during the musket era, early 1800s. It was loaded with a lead ball and fired with a
- [Fighting At Night - Travis Perry](https://www.fightwrite.net/fighting-at-night-travis-perry/) - One of the best things about writing is the great people I have met as a result of it. This guest blogger is just such an example. He's a wealth of information and I'm glad I've got access to his brain. My guest blogger is Mr. Travis Perry. (insert applause) Fighting at night greatly limits
- [Body Punches - The Pros](https://www.fightwrite.net/body-punches-the-pros/) - Punches to the body are, in my humble opinion, highly underrated. By “body” I’m referring to the area beneath the arm pits to the tops of the hip bones. These strikes are very good at doing what they do. However, you have to know how to throw a good one. I will explain
- [Blade Damage - Differences In Blade Damage](https://www.fightwrite.net/blade-damage-differences-in-blade-damage/) - I receive more questions about blades than anything. The inquiries are varied but more often than not come down to constructing a fight scene. With any fight, movements are determined by the intended damage. Even if that damage isn’t inflicted, the intention tells how the aggressor is moving as well as the defender. Because that
- [Blades and Their Purpose Part II (And Carrying Them)](https://www.fightwrite.net/blades-and-their-purpose-part-ii-and-carrying-them/) - First, I want to again thank Kirk McCune for helping out with last week's post. If you missed it, he discussed double versus single edge knives. Ok, we are covering a lot in this post so let's just jump right into it. There are more types of knives, blades and shapes than I have listed.
- [Blades and Their Purpose Part I - Single vs Double Edge](https://www.fightwrite.net/blades-and-their-purpose-part-i-single-vs-double-edge/) - For the record, Wolverine is a single edge guy.Last week we looked at knife vocabulary. This week, we'll look at single versus double edge knives. What is the difference and why would one choose one or the other?First, as we saw in last week's post, a knife's edge is the sharp side of its blade.
- [Western Sword Vocabulary](https://www.fightwrite.net/western-sword-vocabulary/) - If you are versed in Western/European swords, you will be able to add many more terms to this list. But, these are the basics. I will feature Asian and African sword vocabulary in other posts. Backsword -- A sword blade, which has a cutting edge only on one side. Most commonly found on curved blades,
- [Knock Out Punches](https://www.fightwrite.net/knock-out-punches/) - In case you're not a huge nerd like me, this is a Japanese superhero known as One Punch Man. As the name suggests, he knocks out with one punch. There are several things at work in a “knock out punch.” When a strike lands on the jaw or chin, the head spins. Muscles and tendons pull to keep
- [Catapults (and Cow-tapults)](https://www.fightwrite.net/catapults-and-cow-tapults/) - Siege warfare was a Medieval military operation that involved surrounding or blockading a town, fortress or castle in an attempt to capture it. Quite often these places were surrounded by a wall which left the besiegers with two options: go over or go through. Going over was a no brainer. They simply used ladders which were
- [Behold, the Hunga Munga](https://www.fightwrite.net/behold-the-hunga-munga/) - If you’re a fan of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” or “Angel,” you may remember this strange looking hunk of metal. It looks like something a Klingon would carry and they might…if they are African. Yes, the Hunga Munga is a “thing.” It was employed as a tool of war in African tribes south of Lake
- [Bladework](https://www.fightwrite.net/bladework/) - Last week our featured FightWriter, Lisa Godfrees asked a question about knife fighting. I thought this week I should give examples of how an attack would go between educated knife fighters. In every one note the body positioning and the use of both hands. All of these are courtesy of Houston Stick Fighting Association who
- [Psychological Warfare - Gaslighting Pt 3, Victim Response](https://www.fightwrite.net/psychological-warfare-gaslighting-pt-3-victim-response/) - We've been looking at how your characters can fight mentally by means of a form of mental manipulation known as gaslighting. We have defined what it is, looked at the personality of a gaslighter as well as the sort of things a gaslighter might say in your MS. In this the final part in the
- [Psychological Warfare - Gaslighting Pt 2, What Gaslighters Say](https://www.fightwrite.net/psychological-warfare-gaslighting-pt-2-what-gaslighters-say/) - In our last round at FightWrite.net, we looked at the manipulation methods of gaslighting and how a gaslighter behaves. Today we will look at how that plays out in our manuscripts. Not only will we examine the sort of things a gaslighter might say but how a manipulated character might respond.One of the key tools
- [Psychological Warfare - Gaslighting Pt1, Making a Gaslighter](https://www.fightwrite.net/psychological-warfare-gaslighting-pt1-making-a-gaslighter/) - In The Art of War Sun Tzu wrote that "supreme excellence consists of breaking the enemy's resistance without fighting." How is that possible? How can an enemy be broken without stepping on the field of battle? Simple. Make his every step a battle.Psychological warfare is simply that: war waged psychologically. It brings the battle into
- [Do Women Kill Less Often than Men?](https://www.fightwrite.net/do-women-kill-less-often-than-men/) - In our last round of FightWrite.net, we looked at How Women Kill. This week, we are going to consider how often they actually do. According to the most recent FBI statistics, in the United States men account for about 70% of violent crime arrests (1). Arrests, not acts. Why is that? Well, I touched on that
- [Blade Damage - What Will Kill](https://www.fightwrite.net/blade-damage-what-will-kill/) - Happy New Year, all! I took a little time off for the holidays and to enjoy a little steaming cup of flu. Ah, good times. Ok, where were we... Oh yeah, your character has been stabbed. You've given physical cues, used the correct sort of blade, chosen a great vital target, choreographed a scene and have
- [The Geek Block podcast w/ Edged Weapons Expert, Kirk McCune](https://www.fightwrite.net/the-geek-block-podcast-w-edged-weapons-expert-kirk-mccune/) - It's a rare blessing to know someone as knowledgable as Master Kirk McCune. Being able to interview him live is rarer still. Calling Kirk an edged weapons expert does him both justice and a disservice. It expresses his mastery but also narrows it. In truth, Kirk knows a bit of everything about anything having
- [Blade Damage - Vital Targets](https://www.fightwrite.net/blade-damage-vital-targets/) - The entire body is a target. However, there are certain points that can be especially vulnerable. Striking these are more likely to have mortal implications. Remember that many vital organs are protected by bone. Don't assume those bones will leap out of the way of your character's blade or that said blade will break through

## Pages

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## Books

- [Fight Write, Round Two: Crafting Chaos, Combat & Crime](https://www.fightwrite.net/books/fight-write-round-two-crafting-chaos-combat-and-crime/) - From a medieval siege to a modern murder scene, Fight Write, Round Two, has got you covered. Divided into three sections, trained fighter and writer Carla Hoch guides you through the many factors you will need to consider when writing your scenes of chaos, combat or crime. Section one, Crafting Chaos, covers all the aspects of writing a
- [Fight Write: How to Write Believable Fight Scenes](https://www.fightwrite.net/books/fight-write-how-to-write-believable-fight-scenes/) - Whether a side-street skirmish or an all-out war, fight scenes bring action to the pages of every kind of fiction. But a poorly done or unbelievable fight scene can ruin a great book in an instant. In Fight Write you'll learn practical tips, terminology, and the science behind crafting realistic fight scenes for your fiction.

## Testimonials

- [Robert Liparulo](https://www.fightwrite.net/testimonial/robert-liparulo/) - “What can I say? As both a person and an authority on all types of fighting, Carla is awesome! I’ve referred to her, without exaggeration, as Wonder Woman. I mean, she can fight, analyze fights, and communicate what works and doesn’t work—in real life and on the page.”

## Categories

- [Uncategorized](https://www.fightwrite.net/category/uncategorized/)
- [fight injuries](https://www.fightwrite.net/category/fight-injuries/)
- [injuries](https://www.fightwrite.net/category/injuries/)
- [writing](https://www.fightwrite.net/category/writing/)
- [weaponry](https://www.fightwrite.net/category/weaponry/)
- [fight technique](https://www.fightwrite.net/category/fight-technique/)
- [craft](https://www.fightwrite.net/category/craft/)
- [Blocking Fight Scenes](https://www.fightwrite.net/category/blocking-fight-scenes/)
- [character development](https://www.fightwrite.net/category/character-development/)
- [forensics](https://www.fightwrite.net/category/forensics/)
- [Fight Write Round Two](https://www.fightwrite.net/category/fight-write-round-two/)
- [inspiration](https://www.fightwrite.net/category/inspiration/)
- [crime](https://www.fightwrite.net/category/crime/)

## Tags

- [Featured](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/featured/)
- [story prompts](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/story-prompts/)
- [kids](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/kids/)
- [candy](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/candy/)
- [bugs](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/bugs/)
- [story prompt](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/story-prompt/)
- [balloon animal](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/balloon-animal/)
- [ziptie](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/ziptie/)
- [women](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/women/)
- [women fighters](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/women-fighters/)
- [female fighters](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/female-fighters/)
- [female fight technique](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/female-fight-technique/)
- [fight technique](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/fight-technique/)
- [injuries](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/injuries/)
- [choke](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/choke/)
- [quarterstaff](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/quarterstaff/)
- [weaponry](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/weaponry/)
- [fight club](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/fight-club/)
- [writing](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/writing/)
- [writing fight scenes](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/writing-fight-scenes/)
- [craft of writing](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/craft-of-writing/)
- [characters with injuries](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/characters-with-injuries/)
- [animals in fight scenes](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/animals-in-fight-scenes/)
- [injured characters](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/injured-characters/)
- [how to write a fight scene](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/how-to-write-a-fight-scene/)
- [bar fight](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/bar-fight/)
- [street fight](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/street-fight/)
- [dislocating a thumb](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/dislocating-a-thumb/)
- [knife wounds](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/knife-wounds/)
- [Fight Scene Guide](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/fight-scene-guide/)
- [multiple opponents](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/multiple-opponents/)
- [people who don't know how to fight](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/people-who-dont-know-how-to-fight/)
- [fight tropes](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/fight-tropes/)
- [realistic fight scene](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/realistic-fight-scene/)
- [lies about fighting](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/lies-about-fighting/)
- [animals](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/animals/)
- [handcuffs](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/handcuffs/)
- [bigger opponent](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/bigger-opponent/)
- [size disparity](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/size-disparity/)
- [larger opponent](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/larger-opponent/)
- [smaller opponent](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/smaller-opponent/)
- [smaller character fighting larger character](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/smaller-character-fighting-larger-character/)
- [perineum](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/perineum/)
- [stab](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/stab/)
- [knife fight](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/knife-fight/)
- [john wick](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/john-wick/)
- [Bubba Bush](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/bubba-bush/)
- [UFC](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/ufc/)
- [more than one fighter](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/more-than-one-fighter/)
- [water](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/water/)
- [knife](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/knife/)
- [linda kozar](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/linda-kozar/)
- [punches](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/punches/)
- [punch](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/punch/)
- [liver](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/liver/)
- [livershot](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/livershot/)
- [katana](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/katana/)
- [sword](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/sword/)
- [katana on your back](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/katana-on-your-back/)
- [katana back](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/katana-back/)
- [sword fighting](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/sword-fighting/)
- [the witcher](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/the-witcher/)
- [adrenaline](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/adrenaline/)
- [dialogue](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/dialogue/)
- [punching](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/punching/)
- [how to punch](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/how-to-punch/)
- [not realistic](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/not-realistic/)
- [real fight scene](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/real-fight-scene/)
- [ground fighting](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/ground-fighting/)
- [x choke](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/x-choke/)
- [women fighting](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/women-fighting/)
- [fighting styles](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/fighting-styles/)
- [zip ties](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/zip-ties/)
- [zip tie](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/zip-tie/)
- [mirror neurons](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/mirror-neurons/)
- [judo](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/judo/)
- [writing prompts](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/writing-prompts/)
- [swords](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/swords/)
- [kirk mccune](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/kirk-mccune/)
- [witcher](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/witcher/)
- [sword fight](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/sword-fight/)
- [duel](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/duel/)
- [physics](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/physics/)
- [pain](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/pain/)
- [adjectives](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/adjectives/)
- [thoughts](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/thoughts/)
- [psychology](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/psychology/)
- [NaNoWriMo](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/nanowrimo/)
- [magic](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/magic/)
- [fight scenes with magic](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/fight-scenes-with-magic/)
- [blood loss](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/blood-loss/)
- [hemorrhage](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/hemorrhage/)
- [emergency room](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/emergency-room/)
- [medical terminology](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/medical-terminology/)
- [medical vocabulary](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/medical-vocabulary/)
- [helms deep](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/helms-deep/)
- [lord of the rings](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/lord-of-the-rings/)
- [location of fight](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/location-of-fight/)
- [crime](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/crime/)
- [crime scene](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/crime-scene/)
- [autopsy](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/autopsy/)
- [post mortem](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/post-mortem/)
- [Why](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/why/)
- [Why a fight](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/why-a-fight/)
- [csi](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/csi/)
- [evidence](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/evidence/)
- [police](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/police/)
- [detective](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/detective/)
- [murder](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/murder/)
- [murder mystery](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/murder-mystery/)
- [thriller](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/thriller/)
- [copy paste](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/copy-paste/)
- [copy](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/copy/)
- [step by step](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/step-by-step/)
- [fantasy](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/fantasy/)
- [fear](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/fear/)
- [anxiety](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/anxiety/)
- [joust](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/joust/)
- [medieval](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/medieval/)
- [knights](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/knights/)
- [tournament](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/tournament/)
- [polygraph](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/polygraph/)
- [lie detector test](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/lie-detector-test/)
- [lies](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/lies/)
- [deception](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/deception/)
- [writing inspiration](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/writing-inspiration/)
- [facial expression](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/facial-expression/)
- [body language](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/body-language/)
- [strikes](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/strikes/)
- [knees](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/knees/)
- [kicks](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/kicks/)
- [elbows](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/elbows/)
- [headbutt](https://www.fightwrite.net/tag/headbutt/)