Welcome back, my fellow creatives!

During the kids’ spring break, I introduced my action-junkie spawn (that is, Blondie) to John Wick.

We’re on the fourth movie now, and she can’t wait to see it. The action sequences in these films are masterful and creative. By the third movie, things are a little, you know, over the top, but there’s clearly a lot of love put into every set piece with the vengeful Keanu Reeves vs. Every Assassin On The Planet. I asked Blondie which fight scene was her favorite, and she mentioned the weapons shop in the third movie. (“They look around and see all the knives–I love that!”) I have to agree–this is a GOOD one.

All that brings me to the Story Empire highlight I wanted to share this month.

Reading about a fight may not be as exciting as watching one, but it can be so much more satisfying. -Rita Chang-Eppig

Beem Weeks breaks down some vital tips to ensure your story’s fight scenes come through plenty of vivid, clear detail. No one digs a fight they can’t see in their heads.

TIPS FOR CREATING MEMORABLE FIGHT SCENES

I hope these tips help you craft effective moments of combat in your prose! I know I dig Beem’s points about pacing. It’s so easy to pull a John Wick 3 and have a never-ending barrage of fights, but…well, that can get old. That’s why I still prefer the first John Wick–there’s time for the fighters to breathe, as it were. (Blondie doesn’t agree. To each their own!)

Coming up, I’ve got a podcast, some trend-bucking, and of course, some interviews. And let’s not forget that summer vacation is almost here–that means….goooooing camping!

Read on, share on, and write on, my friends!