Why Even Your Action Scenes Fall Flat
One of the first questions new authors ask after receiving beta reader feedback is “Why do readers say this scene drags? There’s plenty of action.”
Here’s the rub: Usually, those authors are right. Maybe they have a scene packed with action, major revelations, and gripping character moments.
And nonetheless, the story somehow feels like it’s standing still.
What that apparent contradiction should tell us is the problem isn’t a lack of action. Instead, it’s a lack of transformation.
Many beginning writers judge a scene according to what events take place in it. Professional editors evaluate the same scene by what is different after it.
What’s the difference?
Read the full post on Substack.
The deep lore of Tolkien. The brutal action of Berserk!