The Most Asked Questions About Writing Action & Adventure Fiction Answered
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The Most Asked Questions About Writing Action & Adventure Fiction Answered

Updated: Jul 28, 2023


The Most Asked Questions About Writing Action & Adventure Fiction Answered, on The Writer's Cabin

The Most Asked Questions About Writing Action & Adventure Fiction Answered


Are you an aspiring writer looking to pen an action-packed adventure novel?


Maybe you have questions about how to create a compelling adventure protagonist, write exciting action scenes, or keep the pace of your story just right?


Well I went and scoured the internet for all the most common questions asked about writing action and adventure fiction for your convenience.


Turns out it is not the longest list.


Actually, it was kinda difficult to compile. But I have mentioned before that action adventure isn’t the most popular genre for writers, which is weird because audiences of all storytelling mediums are totally hooked on it.


But it sure doesn’t get a lot of attention from writers. That is really why I chose to dive into it first on The Writer’s Cabin How to Write by Genre categories.


Y'all really gotta stop sleeping on this genre!


Like I said, I have compiled the most frequently asked questions about writing action and adventure fiction and provided clear answers to help guide you along. If you have a question about action adventure writing, the answer is probably here. If it is not, ask it in the comments and I will answer it there.


Contents:



What is the structure of adventure fiction?


Adventure fiction typically follows a basic structure that includes the following elements:


Introduction: In the beginning, the reader is introduced to the protagonist and the world they live in. This is where the ordinary world is established, and the reader gets to know the main character's personality, goals, and motivations.


Call to Action & Refusal to Go: The protagonist is presented with a problem or a challenge that they initially ignore. But the stakes rise to a point where ignoring the problem is not working. This is where the adventure begins, and the protagonist is forced to leave their ordinary world behind to embark on a journey.


(Some say the reluctant hero is a trope, I call it necessary conflict. "Yes men" aren't interesting.)


Acceptance: This is where the adventure begins, and the protagonist is forced to leave their ordinary world behind to embark on a journey. They must accept the call to action or suffer some immediate, horrible consequence.


Journey/Obstacles & Challenges: Moving into building action of the story, your protagonist sets off into the adventure world and is confronted by various obstacles that test them and change them.


Meeting Allies and Enemies: Along the way they meet various people, friends, foes and everything in between. These people add to the complexity and the interest of the story. But all must aid in the protagonist’s journey.


Climax: The story concludes with the protagonist achieving their goal or learning an important lesson. The battle is won (even though it was a close one!)


Return Home: The protagonist returns home to the normal world where he or she began and proves just how much they’ve changed.


By following this basic structure, writers can create a compelling adventure story that keeps readers engaged from beginning to end. Is it perfect? No. But it is a really good start for most adventure stories.


For a more in-depth look at structuring your adventure story, read: How Do You Structure Adventure Fiction? 7 Steps + 10 Tips to Write a Great Action Adventure Story.



What are the common themes in adventure novels?


Adventure novels often feature themes of exploration, danger, and heroism.


Here are some common themes found in adventure novels:

  • Confronting fear and inner demons

  • Friendship and camaraderie

  • Nature vs. Civilization

  • Legacy and inheritance

  • Journey to the unknown

  • Overcoming adversity

  • Defending the defenseless

  • The power of knowledge

  • Reclaiming lost glory

  • Quest for survival

  • The journey home

  • Seeking hidden treasures

  • Challenging fate and destiny

  • Uniting warring factions

These themes can overlap and combine in various ways, creating unique and exciting stories. By incorporating a theme into your adventure novel, you add depth and emotional resonance.


For a deeper look at the use of themes in your action and adventure fiction and what they can do for your story, read: How to Add Depth and Meaning to Your Action Adventure Story with Themes and Motifs



What makes a great adventure story?


A great adventure story is one that captures the reader's imagination and takes them on a journey full of excitement, danger, and discovery. It combines thrilling action scenes, larger than life characters, and a wild, twisting plot.


The following is a checklist for you of the essential elements of a great action-adventure:

  • A compelling, multi-layered protagonist

  • A captivating and adventurous setting

  • High stakes and conflict with a powerful antagonist

  • Dynamic supporting cast

  • Unexpected obstacles and plot twists

  • Well-choreographed action scenes

  • High levels of tension and suspense

  • Blood-pumping pacing

Don’t forget to include any one of these items!


Woman found treasure in cave - Image made with Leonardo ai
Image made with Leonardo ai - Titled "Bowl-hand girl finds gold"

How do you start an adventure story?


To start an adventure story, you need to have a clear idea of what kind of adventure you want to write. This could be a journey to a far-off land, a quest for a lost treasure, or a battle against a powerful enemy.


Once you have your idea, you need to create a great protagonist who will lead the story. This character should be relatable, interesting, and have a clear motivation for embarking on the adventure.


Next, you need to set the scene for the adventure and you will also need to introduce the conflict that will drive the story forward.


That is all well and good, but how should you start your story? What’s the hook?


I can’t really answer that for you because I don’t know what you’re writing.


BUT!


I can give you some tips for great action adventure opening techniques:


  1. Begin with action. Set up the pacing and tone from the get go.

  2. Create a question in the reader's mind. Make them wonder what will happen, who was that, what did they just take? Etc.

  3. Introduce the protagonist or the conflict or both in your opener.

  4. In medias res. Meaning start your story in the middle of the action or in the middle of a critical moment in the narrative.

  5. Set up the quest, or whatever the journey is going to revolve around.

  6. Foreshadow something big.

  7. Include lots of dialogue to keep the pace of the opener up.



How do you write an adventure fantasy?


To write an adventure fantasy, create an immersive fantasy world with its own rules and magical elements. Focus a lot on worldbuilding and making it believable.


Develop engaging characters, outline a thrilling quest, and introduce high-stakes conflict to drive the narrative. All the advice for action and adventure (at least on this website) is just as readily applied to fantasy adventure.


Just weave in magical elements and mythical creatures.


Remember to add emotional moments, while maintaining a balance between action and character growth. Use foreshadowing to build anticipation and immerse readers in the enchanting setting.


Conclude with a satisfying resolution to the main conflict. The end.


Too bad it is not actually that easy to do in real life.


man running through jungle with cart - Image made with Leonardo ai
Image made with Leonardo ai - I call it "Man with too many legs and a buggered eye running through jungle"

What is the difference between action fiction and adventure fiction?


Action fiction and adventure fiction are two closely related genres, but they have some key differences. Both genres are known for their fast-paced and exciting plots, but the focus of each is different.


In action fiction, the emphasis is on high-stakes, high-energy, and fast-paced events. These stories typically involve a lot of physical action, such as fight scenes, car chases, and explosions. Action is mainly defined by a central focus on any kind of exciting movement.


Adventure fiction, on the other hand, is more focused on the journey of the protagonist. These stories often involve travel to exotic or dangerous locations, and the protagonist typically encounters a series of obstacles along the way.


Adventure fiction can include elements of action, but the focus is more on the exploration of new places and the overcoming of challenges.


Two ancient Egyptian boys fighting over gold thing - Image made with Leonardo ai
Image made with Leonardo ai - This one I call "Two playdough Egyptians fighting over salt shaker"

What are common tropes in the action & adventure genre?


Action and adventure fiction is full of tropes that have become synonymous with the genre. These tropes are often used to create a sense of familiarity and excitement for readers but when done uncreatively, they can bugger up a whole story.


It’s important to understand their worth, but also the dangers of falling into them without noticing.


Here are some of the most common tropes in the action adventure genre:


  • The Chosen One. The protagonist is destined for greatness and has a unique role to play in a significant quest.

  • The Damsel in Distress. A female character, often the love interest, is in need of rescue by the hero.

  • The Mentor. A wise and experienced mentor guides and trains the protagonist on their journey.

  • The Mysterious Artifact. Characters embark on a quest to find or protect a powerful and enigmatic object.

  • The Evil Overlord. A powerful and malevolent antagonist seeks to dominate or destroy the world just because it's Tuesday.

  • The Band of Misfits. The hero forms a diverse and unlikely group of allies to aid them on their quest.

  • The Last Stand. The hero faces overwhelming odds and must make a final stand against the antagonist.

  • The Betrayal. A trusted ally turns out to be a traitor, challenging the hero's trust and loyalty.

  • The Race Against Time. Characters must complete a mission within a strict deadline to prevent disaster or save someone.

  • The Sexy Badass Super Woman. She may not have actual powers but wow, does she seem to be magnificent at everything! Those breasts must filled with helium because she can basically fly through the air when she’s in trouble.



How do writers write action scenes?


Writing action scenes can be challenging, but there are some tips that can help you create compelling and exciting scenes that keep readers engaged.


Writers write action scenes by following these steps:


  1. Visualize the scene. Imagine the action sequence in your mind to understand its flow, pace, and key moments. KNOW your scene!

  2. Set clear objectives. Define the purpose of the action scene, whether it's to advance the plot, showcase a character's skills, or increase tension.

  3. Use strong verbs. Employ powerful and descriptive action verbs to convey the intensity and impact of each movement. This is emotional language that evokes something in the reader.

  4. Be specific. Provide precise details about the characters' actions, surroundings, and emotions to enhance reader engagement.

  5. Engage the senses. Include sensory details and try not to give a play-by-play of movements.

  6. Show emotions. Reveal characters' feelings and reactions to the unfolding events to deepen the emotional connection.

  7. Avoid excessive description. Balance action with brevity, avoiding unnecessary exposition or slowing down the pace. Let the reader’s imagination fill in the blanks.

  8. Edit and revise a billion times.


Related Posts:


Remember, action scenes should serve the narrative, character development, and overall plot, contributing to the excitement and progression of the story.


By following these tips, you can write action scenes that are engaging, exciting, and memorable.


Bigfoot talks a morning stroll - Image made with Leonardo ai
Image made with Leonardo ai - Bigfoot!

What makes a bad action scene?


A bad action scene lacks clarity and coherence, confusing readers with jumbled descriptions and unclear character movements. It may be overloaded with excessive detail, slowing down the pace and diluting the excitement.


A poorly written action scene may lack emotional depth, failing to convey the characters' motivations and reactions. Lastly, it may feel disconnected from the overall plot, serving no purpose other than to showcase action for its own sake.



Final Words


Writing action and adventure fiction can be an exciting and rewarding experience. Seriously, I can’t be alone in loving this genre, can I?


By following the guidelines and tips provided in this article, you can begin creating engaging and thrilling stories that will captivate your readers. And hopefully some of your buuuurning questions 🙄 were answered today.


Short outro for a short article. We have explored action & adventure quiet thoroughly for now, so I’m moving onto a different genre.


If this is the first post you are seeing on action and adventure and would like to know more, here is what we have covered so far:











About the Author: Tessa Barron




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