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I know this is the opposite of what's usually asked here, but does anyone have any advice or good examples for writing fight scenes that aren't similar to "real" fighting at all (e.g. characters moving at super speed, shooting magic at each other)?

One of the things I've always tried to remember when writing fight scenes like this is what it is about the fighting that makes it special. What it is that makes the readers fall in love with the fighting aspect itself.

For example, for Vegeta here, I'll describe what's happening to the landscape around him as he powers up, when he uses an attack, etc. How the rocks float up from the ground, the craters that are left, all that fun junk. I'm not sure if it applies to your character that you're writing but any fun effects that your character's powers do for themselves, like for super saiyans they get the bio electricity, their hair changes color, just noting those changes during a fight I think really makes it more fun to write and read. Plus, your character reacting to attacks being thrown at them. Being surprised, or not surprised at all, how the attack effects them if it lands. Have they seen an attack like that before and how would that change what the character does? Also, sometimes it's not bad to mention what the attack is capable of, but always remember that the other character might be able to handle it. For example, when I have this guy punch someone who can handle his attack, I'll describe it as bone shattering or something similar to give the reader an idea of how hard he's actually punching someone.

Also, I think how something is happening is really important. How are they preparing their attack, is it quick or is it premeditated? What does the attack look like, if it's magic or a blast or something. How is the character handling the attack, are their muscles straining with effort or are they feeling their body slam through multiple skyscrapers? You mentioned super speed, is there a noise that accompanies movement? Are they a blur or do they just disappear because they're moving so fast?

And for all the reasons above, I think it goes without saying as well that if you want to do scenes like this, make sure both muns know exactly what's going on. Good/FREQUENT communication about the fight has always resulted in the best fight scenes for me. Also, ideally if the characters are on an equal level it tends to be amazing. One sided fights aren't as enjoyable as they might sound. I don't know about other people, but a little bit of introspection during the fight (it doesn't have to be every tag or anything, but every now and again) goes a long way I think. Especially if the character tends to think and vocalize something in their heads.

Don't be afraid to be self-indulgent when you write too. If you're writing an epic scene, make it a good show- it wouldn't be (insert series here) if it didn't have (insert amazing and epic things that happen during fight scenes in said series here.) I hope some of this helps anon, and good luck in your writing fight scenes journey!

Oh my gosh, since this is anon I guess I can just say I'm a big fan of your writing this is such a nice surprise. Thank you so much for giving this write-up, it gives me a lot to think about.

No problem nonnie, and thanks so much- you're too cute, I hope I end up tagging you one day and you can show off your skills :D

I may be kind of repeating the person above, but what I always do is watch the general process of how these things happen, and think how to put them to words.

For instance, I've played from Avatar: the Last Airbender (which while inspired by real martial arts styles nonetheless involves supernatural use of the elements), and I've played from series with explicitly magical characters. What does the character do in order to make the attack? What movements? Do they say anything? If they have a device or object used in the attack, do they have to point it certain ways or go through certain steps? Does the object change/move/have some effect that can be described? There's always going to be a certain style to it, so that even if it's not a series where attacks are prenamed, there's still a way you can expect it to be executed. A waterbender moves a lot differently than a firebender; a magical girl from one series uses different powers than one from another; and even individuals tends to have their own personal quirks. Finding the exact way to transcribe it to words can be difficult if you're not used to it, but (in my experience) it's easy to find a certain flow or pattern to the description after you've done it a few times.

I also want to second all the above commentor's advice!

Thanks for the advice; bringing up Avatar helps a lot because that's an example I know of a canon where the fighting was really heavy on the artistic visuals. Thinking about it that way will help know where to start.

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Unrealistic Fight Scenes

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Re: Unrealistic Fight Scenes

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