Sometimes writing is about re-inventing your life.
Back in April of 2016, I wanted to write a fight scene for a mystery, but I had no clue how to start. Being all about real life research, I checked for martial arts schools near me. One offered a free trial of a week of classes. Perfect. I planned to take a class or two, then write my scene. End of story.
The instructor at the school taught Wing Chun, a type of close-combat kung fu. Close, as in fists flying in your face. I would never, ever have expected it, but I loved the first class. I have been taking Wing Chun classes ever since and it has been life changing. Studying Wing Chun has strengthened my body, my mind, my ability to focus, and my self confidence.
But it didn’t stop there. During the Covid pandemic in 2020, I tried another martial art, Tai Chi. The advantage was I could still practice with social distancing in place. Although in many ways Wing Chun and Tai Chi are diametrically-opposed (close and fast movements versus slow and far apart), they also complement each other.
Imagine my delight when I discovered Carla Hoch also started her martial arts journey from being a writer. You can hear her story, as well as the benefits of studying martial arts, in the video.
Carla Hoch now teaches people how to write fight scenes. She has turned her experiences into a book, Fight Write: How to Write Believable Fight Scenes.
(Note: Links go to Amazon. I am an Amazon affiliate so if you chose to purchase the book, I will receive a small commission at no extra charge to you.)
Carla blogs at FightWrite.net, with such fascinating topics as how to write about injuries due to magic. Cool!
- Publisher : Writer’s Digest Books (June 11, 2019)
- Paperback : 240 pages
- ISBN-10 : 1440300720
- ISBN-13 : 978-1440300721
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