Comments on: How to Craft Accurate Fight Scenes - Part 2

By: Dr. Alex Jemetta

Dr. Alex Jemetta — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 15:59:23 +0000

In reply to Ronda Wells. Thank you so much!!

By: J R Tomlin

J R Tomlin — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 18:52:08 +0000

You make some good points. One of the biggest mistakes I see in fight scenes is having your character think about anything *except* the fight scene, whether it is philosophical or will my family miss me, or even how much I hate that other guy. When you are fighting for your life, meandering thoughts are not likely to happen, and if they do, then you're dead. Some of the others that are simply annoying are the implausibility of cutting someone's head off (much, much harder than some seem to think) and fights that last a long time. A sword fight in armor is also fairly unlikely. A waraxe, on the other hand, works extremely well against an armored opponent, which is why many knights used them. Just my thoughts...

By: Ronda Wells

Ronda Wells — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 15:50:24 +0000

FABULOUS article!! Best I’ve ever read about combat scenes. Thank you!

By: Dr. Alex Jemetta

Dr. Alex Jemetta — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 18:46:10 +0000

In reply to Sally M. Chetwynd. Physically blocking out all fight scenes can be super helpful! So is reaching out to experts.

By: Dr. Alex Jemetta

Dr. Alex Jemetta — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 18:44:38 +0000

In reply to denise. I'm glad it's still useful!

By: Sally M. Chetwynd

Sally M. Chetwynd — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 17:43:35 +0000

In reply to Dr. Alex Jemetta. Reliance on available resources! That's an important key.

By: Sally M. Chetwynd

Sally M. Chetwynd — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 17:41:49 +0000

In my second novel, for the fight scene (in a bar, contemporary setting, fists only), I acted out the action, imagining the aspects that the main character would experience. (I have engaged in historical reenactments since the 1970s, so I have some experience in the sounds, smells, tastes, physical sensations, timing - and emotions! - of battle, more than just visual.) I also employed a local police officer to make sure that the actions of my scene's responding police were accurate and realistic. This officer was invaluable for a number of parts of my story.

By: denise

denise — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 05:50:35 +0000

While I don't write fight scenes, this is still very valuable information for writing characters.

By: Dr. Alex Jemetta

Dr. Alex Jemetta — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 21:51:14 +0000

In reply to Vivienne. Thank you! That's certainly an exciting opening. I find that writing fight scenes in passes works best for me, rather than trying to get everything right the first time. I hope something here does help. Good luck

By: Dr. Alex Jemetta

Dr. Alex Jemetta — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 21:42:53 +0000

In reply to Paula Cappa. Thank you!! writing a 5 character fight scene is wading right into the deep end. I'm glad you had a network to lean on, and they led you in the right direction.