Action Scenes in Novels: How to Write Them in a Captivating Way

4 min read

Part 1 - Pratical Tips!

Action scenes are among the most challenging to write but also the most thrilling for readers. They need to be dynamic, clear, and full of tension without slowing down the narrative. When done well, they keep readers glued to the page, heightening the pace and engagement. Here are some practical tips for crafting memorable action scenes!

1. Keep a Fast Pace

Action scenes in novels should be quick and energetic. Avoid long sentences and excessive descriptions: use short, punchy phrases with strong verbs. For example:

❌ He slowly approached the door, feeling his heart pound in his chest as every step echoed in the empty room.

✅ He lunged at the door. His heart hammered. One step, two. The air vibrated.

2. Show, Don’t Tell

Readers need to experience the action as if they are in the scene. Use vivid sensory details and avoid excessive explanations. Instead of saying a character “feels scared,” show their physical reactions:

❌ He was terrified.

✅ His hands trembled, breath unsteady. Sweat trickled down his forehead as he gripped the knife.

3. Limit Descriptions

In an action scene, there’s no time for lengthy descriptions of settings or deep introspection. Every word should serve to convey movement and urgency.

❌ The alley was narrow, with damp bricks and cracks weaving like veins on aging skin. The air was thick with the smell of mold and rust.

✅ He slipped into the alley. Moldy air. Footsteps behind him. Too close.

4. Make Actions Clear and Believable

Avoid overly complex choreography that may confuse readers. Movements should be clear and logical. For example:

❌ He dodged the punch, crouched, spun around, and then delivered a flying kick that sent his opponent to the ground.

✅ He dodged the punch and struck the stomach. His opponent staggered.

5. Use Point of View to Enhance Tension

Write from the perspective of the character involved, showing their perceptions and reactions in real-time. If they don’t see an enemy hiding around the corner, neither should the reader.

✅ A shadow moved to his right. Too late. A hard blow slammed him against the wall.

6. Alternate Action and Consequences

After a fast-paced scene, give readers a breather by showing immediate consequences: injuries, pain, fear. This makes the action feel more realistic and builds tension for the next scene.

✅ Blood dripped from the gash on his forehead. He leaned against the wall, panting. The silence was more unnerving than the fight itself.

7. Cut the Excess - Action Scenes in Novels

There’s no need to describe every single movement. Focus on key moments to keep the tension high.

❌ He pushed the door with his right hand, peeked in, then stepped forward two paces, raised his gun, and aimed.

✅ He opened the door. Raised his gun.

Writing effective action scenes means making them come alive for the reader. Use short sentences, precise details, and maintain a rapid pace. Keep readers turning pages!

Part 2 - Masters of Action

Masters of Action: The Best Writers of Action Scenes and Their Most Thrilling Moments

Writing an action scene that keeps readers on the edge of their seats is an art form. Some authors have mastered this skill, delivering breathtaking moments that feel cinematic on the page. Here are some of the best action writers and examples of their most thrilling work.

1. Lee Child – The Precision of Jack Reacher

Lee Child’s Jack Reacher novels are known for their efficient, no-nonsense action. His writing style is direct, with short, punchy sentences that create an intense rhythm.

📖 Example: "Reacher ducked left, swung his arm, and felt the impact of knuckles on bone. The man staggered, his balance lost. Another hit. Done."

Why it works: Child’s action scenes are clear, fast-paced, and stripped of unnecessary details, making the reader feel every punch.

2. Robert Ludlum – The Bourne Series’ Relentless Pace

Ludlum's Bourne Identity and its sequels set the standard for high-stakes espionage thrillers, with sequences that blend combat, strategy, and desperation.

📖 Example: "Jason spun, the knife a blur in his hand. A slash, a pivot, a kick to the knee. The attacker collapsed, pain distorting his face."

Why it works: Ludlum’s style combines detailed physical movements with a sense of urgency, making every fight feel lethal and intelligent.

3. Cormac McCarthy – Brutality in Minimalist Prose

McCarthy, especially in No Country for Old Men, uses an almost poetic minimalism to depict sudden, visceral violence.

📖 Example: "Chigurh stepped forward and fired. The man’s head snapped back, his body crumpling. The silence returned, deeper than before."

Why it works: McCarthy doesn’t over-explain. His brutal, clipped descriptions heighten the realism and tension.

4. Frank Herbert – The Duel in Dune

Herbert’s Dune is full of strategic, high-stakes combat, blending physical combat with psychological warfare.

📖 Example: "Paul feinted right, then cut low. The blade met resistance, then found its way past the shield. His opponent gasped."

Why it works: Herbert’s fight scenes rely on precise strategy and foreshadowing, immersing the reader in both action and mind games.

5. Michael Crichton – Chaos and Danger in Jurassic Park

Crichton’s thrillers are full of action, but Jurassic Park stands out for its intense, survival-driven moments.

📖 Example: "The raptor lunged. Grant dove sideways, rolling into the undergrowth. Teeth snapped inches from his arm."

Why it works: Crichton blends science, fear, and fast-paced action, making the stakes feel terrifyingly real.

6. Bernard Cornwell – Historical Combat in The Last Kingdom

Cornwell is a master of battlefield action, especially in his Saxon Stories series, where medieval combat is rendered with gritty realism.

📖 Example: "Uhtred raised his shield, bracing as the ax came down. The wood splintered, the force knocking him back. He roared and struck back."

Why it works: Cornwell’s action scenes are immersive, researched, and visceral, putting the reader in the chaos of war.