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Post by Riv Re on Feb 2, 2012 2:37:52 GMT
Hi SBG! I just joined the forum, and I saw some other posts like this, so I thought I'd just introduce myself (if anyone cares...?) I'm a teenager (supposedly "mature"--ha!) that's [unhealthily] obsessed with medieval weaponry. Don't own a real sword, and have only held two (one at a Renaissance fair, the other this...old, blunt, gladiator thing). So I just do a lot of research, and pretend to know what I'm talking about. Mostly, I write. I've been working on a fantasy novel for a few years (and this is definitely not one of those "on a whim" things), but you're not interesting in that. Aforementioned book has a nice amount of sword-play in it. (And not so much "playing", as "stabby-stabby.") I'm mostly here on SBG for the sake of being factual, and writing realistic fight scenes. From what I've seen, this is an awesome community, and I really hope I can get some help here. (I also tell bad jokes.) Happy slashing!
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Post by Adrian Jordan on Feb 2, 2012 3:00:06 GMT
Welcome, Riv Re. There are a couple of other writers that grace the forum, so you will be in good company. I'm sure there are a number of folks here who will be willing to provide advice, so don't hesitate to ask.
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Post by Todash on Feb 2, 2012 3:18:55 GMT
Well, here is what I have learned from watching the various sparring videos on here...
Sword "Fighting" last maybe 5-10 seconds. It's not this spectacle of swords clashing together and people spinning around like in the movies. A true sword fight written in a book might be all of 3 sentences.
That being said...you can still write an accurate scene, you'll just want to stretch it out some.
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Post by Riv Re on Feb 2, 2012 3:43:55 GMT
Less swirling and spinning...Got it. Definitely useful to know. That deletes...erm...seven thousand words? (I'm only sort of exaggerating.) That's really helpful, thanks! It makes me happy to know that there are people out there (meaning: here) who will mercilessly rip apart my fight scenes. :lol:
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Post by Todash on Feb 2, 2012 3:53:08 GMT
Remember though, you can use your creative license and make it whatever you want it to be. It's called fantasy for a reason.
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Post by chrisperoni on Feb 2, 2012 3:54:07 GMT
no such thing here as an unhealthy obsession of swords! :lol:
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Post by Vincent Dolan on Feb 2, 2012 4:04:36 GMT
Welcome, Riv Re. It's always good to see a fellow author here; I've been working on my own novel for the past 9 years now, and SBG has helped me in an innumerable number of ways to determine everything from the proper weight to the proper handling of swords. We also have a great community filled with your friendly, neighborhood sword addicts who will always be happy to answer just about any question you have, no matter how stupid it may seem.
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jhart06
Member
Slowly coming back from the depths...
Posts: 3,292
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Post by jhart06 on Feb 2, 2012 4:51:21 GMT
I can attest to that. There is more knowledge and a willingness to share it openly and in a friendly manner than i've seen anywhere else.
Welcome to SBG!
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Post by Riv Re on Feb 2, 2012 6:10:22 GMT
I'm glad to know I'm not the only one; I felt kind of awkward, figuring I was the only one of my "kind" to join SBG. Thanks!
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Post by Riv Re on Feb 2, 2012 6:13:00 GMT
It's a pleasure to meet a fellow sword-obsessed author. I write YA, and rarely find people with a common interest in swords. *waves wildly*
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Post by Riv Re on Feb 2, 2012 6:17:06 GMT
That's true. But I like to keep it sensical (as much as I love the word "nonsensical"). A lot of contemporary writers use a device called "magical realism" and stick fantastical (another great word) things in their stories. I just like to make my fantasy realistic. Magic-free, even. It's just got a different world.
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Post by johnapsega on Feb 2, 2012 6:49:06 GMT
Nice to welcome another writer. Welcome to the forum Riv, your right it really is a great community.
Would you be interested in a forum wide novel that we take turn writing, like rping but not. I just think it would be interesting to get a lot of writers taking turns putting a story together. This goes out to you as well Vincent as well as all other writers.
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Post by JohnE on Feb 2, 2012 16:30:20 GMT
Howdy Riv,
Re: Writing realistic sword fight: One of my pet peeves in movies and books is when armor is ineffective or just plain ignored. i.e. A character in full plate gets killed just as easily as one in a loin cloth. I suggest doing some research into armor and how effective it realy was, and incorporating that into your writing.
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Post by Anders on Feb 2, 2012 16:53:58 GMT
Fellow fantasy writer, here. Hit me up if you get tired of talking about swords and want to trade writing tips. (Not that I'm not fine talking about swords as well.)
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Post by WEWolf on Feb 2, 2012 22:00:42 GMT
Howdy, and welcome to the forum! I do some writing myself, not fantasy though, humorous crime fiction mainly. Good to have another writer around.
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Post by ShooterMike on Feb 3, 2012 0:37:15 GMT
Hi Riv Re. Welcome to this ecclectic group of internet steel-bearing travelers. There are a number of experienced fighters and sparring enthusiasts here that could lend credibility to your fight scenes.
Speaking of realistic fight scenes, I have always thought these two Czech guys show the true essence of what a real medieval longsword fight might look like...without the bleeding and stuff.
This one's particularly good and would be most brutal with sharps and no armour.
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Post by Odingaard on Feb 3, 2012 1:22:27 GMT
Welcome. I am a bit of a writer myself; had my first and only novel published in 2008 in the science-fiction genre. Anyway, welcome to the site. I certinaly hope you enjoy your time here with us and I look forward to having you as a member of our family.
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Post by ShooterMike on Feb 3, 2012 1:30:51 GMT
And it's a good read. I read it. Recommend it to others too.
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Post by Riv Re on Feb 3, 2012 5:49:31 GMT
I would LOVE that. It sounds like it could be a blast. (I mostly write YA, but I'm always open to anything new!)
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Post by Riv Re on Feb 3, 2012 5:58:03 GMT
Ooh. Definitely. Such a pet peeve of mine also. (Sometimes, though, it's so hard to figure out what would cut through what. Research FTW! And that's what I'm doing here...)
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