You don’t need to draw a map if you don’t want to, but it can be very helpful for you to understand the layout. If you’re basing your story in a real location, look online for a map so you can use it as a reference.
Your battle should always affect the protagonist’s progress toward their long-term goals, or else it won’t feel like there were any real conflict or consequences from it. Make the battle feel more dramatic by giving the character personal stakes in the battle, such as rescuing a loved one or breaking free from an oppressive ruler.
Even if you give both sides different weapons or equipment, try to keep them evenly matched to make the scene more dramatic.
For example, if your protagonist is a noble fighter, they may try to attack the enemy head-on. However, the enemy forces may try to surprise your protagonist by striking from the flanks. Avoid making it too easy for your protagonist to win the battle since it won’t feel as dramatic or satisfying to the reader. Opposing forces will rarely have the same battle plans since they are trying to defeat each other and they’ll be viewing the battlefield from different perspectives.
Many battles only last for a few minutes or hours, so keep in mind how long the events last while you’re outlining.
For example, if an evil king wins a battle in a city, they may try taking over the land and imposing their own laws. As another example, if your protagonist’s long-term goal is to gain power, they may gain the respect from their peers if they win the fight.
For example, you could write, “The red sun peeked over the mountains on the east, breaking through the fog covering the plains. Finally, I was able to see the wide river to the west preventing any surprise attacks. As the fog lifted, I could barely make out the silhouettes of infantry quickly approaching. ”
It’s okay to switch between characters during the scene, but consider how each one views the battle differently and what stakes they’re fighting for. For example, infantry in the front lines will have a more difficult experience in the battle than a general who’s watching it from a distance.
For example, instead of writing, “From his scabbard, he pulled out his longsword before defending himself against the knight,” you could say, “He drew his sword and blocked the knight’s strike. ” Long sentences can make the action seem slow so the battle won’t seem as dramatic or hectic.
For example, you may write, “The rain mixed with the blood on the battlefield, filling his nose with the scent of earth and iron. He licked the salty sweat from his lips and continued marching forward. He could barely hear his boots squish through the mud over the shouting and screaming of the infantrymen around him. ” Avoid overly descriptive paragraphs that don’t contain any action since it will make your writing feel like it’s dragging on.
Try working on a different scene while taking your break. That way, you’re still writing and getting work done.
Avoid focusing on spelling or grammar errors during your first revision since they’re minor compared to how well you comprehend the writing. Print out your scene if you’re able to since it can be easier to write directly on the paper while you’re editing.
You may also reach out to writing teachers or professors you have if you’re in school for additional feedback.
It may take multiple revisions to make the scene concise and easy to follow.
