Episode 171: How to Write Fight Scenes, with Carla Hoch
- Colleen Mitchell
- Mar 11
- 5 min read
Description:
Do you struggle with writing realistic fight scenes?
Never fear, Carla Hoch is here!
Carla, author of the Fight Write books, joins us to talk about common mistakes new authors (and experienced authors, TBH) make when writing fight scenes.
Listen
You are listening to The Novel Writing Podcast, Episode 171.
I'm your host, Colleen Mitchell. Grab a cup, cozy up, and let's get to writing!
Today I’m talking with Carla Hoch, an award-winning writer and trained fighter with experience in nearly one dozen martial arts and fighting styles, including being a world-champion jujitsu player. She's the blogger behind FightWrite.net, author of Fight Write and Fight Write Round Two, and regularly teaches classes and workshops on writing fight scenes and understanding fighting techniques. Carla is also an instructor for Writer's Digest University and Writing Mastery Academy.
I met Carla at Author Nation in November 2024, and I’m super excited to dive into what authors—especially new authors—need to know about writing fight scenes.
Carla, welcome to The Novel Writing Podcast!
Interview Questions
What are the common mistakes you see authors make when writing fight scenes, and how can we avoid those mistakes?
One of the biggest mistakes writers make is overwriting. Fight scenes aren’t the place for flowery prose or long-winded explanations. Real fights are quick, brutal, and exhausting. Every extra word slows the pacing.
Another common issue is over-describing techniques. Readers don’t need an anatomy lesson or a step-by-step breakdown of every move. Instead of:
"He pivoted on his left foot, shifting his weight forward as he swung his fist in a right hook."
Try:
"He swung a right hook."
The impact matters more than the mechanics.
What are realistic ways for an inexperienced character to survive a fight against a trained opponent?
Without training, winning isn’t realistic—but survival is. Running is always an option. So is using the environment: throwing dirt, grabbing a weapon, using surprise.
If a character must fight, keep it dirty and desperate. No fancy techniques—just instinct. Going for eyes, throats, or groins is far more effective than a wild punch. And keep it short: one mistake and it’s over.
How long does it take for the average person to become skilled enough to survive a fight with another trained opponent?
Training takes time—years, not weeks. A few months of self-defense won’t make a character a fighter. A few years? Maybe. A decade? Now we’re talking.
Skill isn’t just about knowing moves—it’s about reaction time, muscle memory, and mental control. A character who trains once a week won’t last against someone who trains every day.
How long do fights typically last in real life, and how should that translate to the pages of a book?
Real fights last seconds, not minutes. A street fight is over in a blink—one solid hit, one mistake, and it’s done.
On the page, brevity is power. A fight scene should be fast, hard-hitting, and over before the reader gets comfortable. Instead of dragging out blow-by-blow action, focus on impact, emotion, and aftermath.
How do you suggest writers balance writing fighting techniques and the emotions in a fight?
Less technique, more feeling. A reader doesn’t care if it’s a left jab or a right cross—they care if it hurts.
Instead of:
"She stepped forward and threw a cross, her knuckles grazing his cheek."
Try:
"Her fist cracked against his jaw. Pain shot up her arm."
Keep emotions raw and physical. Fear tightens the chest. Rage dulls pain. Adrenaline makes hands shake after, not during.
What are common injuries in fights, and how can we write those injuries realistically?
Fights hurt. Hands break. Ribs crack. A single good hit can end it.
Keep injuries simple and consistent. If a character gets punched in the stomach, they won’t be throwing kicks right after. If they take a knife to the leg, they won’t be running. Injuries should slow them down, change their strategy, and last beyond the fight. No one shakes off a concussion in minutes.
What should fantasy writers remember when writing fight scenes, especially if magic or weapons are involved?
Less detail, more impact. Readers don’t need a physics lesson on sword swings or a lecture on magic theory. Keep it tight, keep it focused.
Weapons are heavy. One swing too many, and a fighter is exhausted.
Armor matters. A dagger won’t pierce plate.
Magic has limits. If it doesn’t, there’s no fight—just instant victory.
The best fantasy fights feel real, even when magic is involved.
Is there anything we didn’t cover that you think is important for new authors to keep in mind when writing fight scenes?
Less is more. If a sentence doesn’t add to the fight’s intensity, cut it. The best fight scenes aren’t long—they’re sharp, impactful, and leave the reader breathless.
Ask yourself:
Does every word serve a purpose?
Can this be said in fewer words?
Is the fight moving the story forward?
A well-written fight scene isn’t about length. It’s about power.
If our listeners want to connect with you or buy your books, where's the best place to find you online?
Readers can connect with Carla Hoch through several platforms:
Official Website: Explore her work and resources at FightWrite.net.
Instagram: Follow her insights and updates on @fightwritecarla.
Goodreads: Discover her publications and reviews on her Goodreads author page.
Amazon: Find her book, Fight Write: How to Write Believable Fight Scenes, on Amazon.
Additionally, Carla Hoch frequently teaches workshops and participates in events. Details about her upcoming engagements can be found on her website.
That’s it for today’s episode! Thanks for joining us, and remember, the first draft is supposed to be garbage.
Challenge for Writers
Create the most dangerous character in the world with only one characteristic.
Make them willing.
Show Notes
Dive into the first episode of the Novel Writing Podcast with your host Colleen and her sometimes-guest Halie Fewkes Damewood! Here, we give you the gist of who we are, what we do, and what you can expect from this podcast.
What to do next…
Halie & Colleen are both authors! Find their books below:
Secrets of the Tally, by Halie Fewkes Damewood
The Chronicles of Talahm, by Colleen Mitchell
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