~*~*~*~*~*~* This giveaway is now closed ~*~*~*~*~*~*
I am very pleased to have Chloe Neill as my first guest here on Fantasy Dreamer's Ramblings.Chloe is author of the awesome Chicagoland Vampires series and the upcoming YA novel Firespell, which releases on January 5, 2010. The second book in the Chicagoland Vampires series, Friday Night Bites releases this coming Tuesday, October 6th.
Stay tuned to the end of this post for the giveaway details.
Welcome to Fantasy Dreamer's Ramblings - Chloe, the floor is all yours!
You Fight Like a Girl!
This will come as a shock to no one who knows me.
I am not a fighter.
That's not to say I haven't enjoyed my fair share of kickboxing lessons, hours spent punching or kicking at heavy bags. My punches weren't that powerful, but I managed a pretty mean roundhouse.
So when I'm writing a fighting scene for Merit, I have virtually no expertise in figuring out what she should do, how she should do it, or what it's supposed to look like. Since I'm supposed to be writing scenes that help the reader visualize the fight (or training scene) as it's playing out, this can be quite a problem. Thus, I've compiled below some tips and tricks for writers with warriors...who haven't quite mastered the arts themselves.
1. The Interwebs
Samuel Lee 2006
Second, once you've identified a form (or forms) that you're particularly interested in, do a little Googling to determine if they have a national organization. For example, the U.S. Judo Association has a fabulous Web site with tons of information about the history and techniques of the art.
Third, once you've done your background, the Web can be an invaluable tool for seeing the moves in action. From You Tube videos on roundhouse kicks to step-by-step tutorials on Jiu Jitsu moves, a little searching can produce great resources to help you visualize--and write--those tricky fight scenes.
2. The Big Screen
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
3. Be Your Own Expert...or Find Your Own Expert
Maybe due to the popularity of MMA/UFC fighting, classes for kickboxing, Muy Thay, Krav Maga and other marial arts forms are popping up all over my town, adding to more traditional offerings like Tae Kwon Do and Judo.
You've got a couple of options: You can take the plunge. Join a Tae Kwon Do class and work your way up the belt ladder. Join a fitness kickboxing class and get used to thinking about how your muscles move, how to incite an attack and defend one.
Or, you could use the resources out there to find your own local expert. Visit a class, talk to the instructor, and learn what they have to teach. Are they willing to critique fight scenes you've written? Let you take notes or make sketches during a class or two? Spar with you during class breaks?
Do keep in mind, of course, that the instructor is paid to teach. While he or she may be thrilled to help out a writer, don't take undue advantage of "freebies" or push your requests past the point of politeness. Offering to provide copies of your books, an acknowledgment for the instructor, or paying a by-the-class fee are compensation possibilities.
4. Got a DH? Use him.
Finally, don't be afraid to push the notebook or laptop back, get out of your chair, and test out the moves. Try a test kick and imagine how the opponent might respond, where an attack might come from, or how the heroine might fend off an attack.
If you've got a roommate, DH ("dear husband"), family member or friend available, have them help out. But remember--the goal is not to lay waste to your best friend. It's to think about fighting in a three-dimensional sense. :)
Thanks for reading, and thanks to Fantasy Dreamer, for having me today!
Best, Chloe
The Giveaway:
Chloe has graciously offered to give away to one lucky winner a $25 Gift Card to her Cafe Press store, where you'll find great items like this Team Ethan t-shirt and the super cute Cadogan pup t-shirt plus much more.And I'm giving away one copy of Friday Night Bites or Some Girls Bite, winner's choice.
~Updated for clarification~ There will be two winners: One winner for the GC to Chloe's Cafe Press store and another winner with a choice of the Chicagoland Vampires books.
Answer this question: What is your favorite fight scene - book, movie, etc.? Plus be sure to mention which prize you'd like to win.
This contest is open to everyone and close at 8:00 a.m. CST on Monday, Oct. 5th.
66 comments:
Oh, I used to be a major Hong Kong movie fan! Probably my favorite fight scene is the big one near the end of the first Matrix movie.
Favorite fight scene is James McAvoy in Wanted.
Don't enter me to win the books (which I love BTW!!!!)
I hope everyone gets a chance to read Chloe's books. I picked up Some Girls Bite because of a rec from Mandi from Smexybooks, and I loved the book. Already have my copy of Friday Night Bites. Merritt is a fabulous heroine. Very real.
Good luck with the books Chloe :)
I'd love the first one Some girls bite :)
Fav fight, oh, Equilibirum, to see Christian Bale bust some moves with that gun is too cool.
The mesmerizing fight scenes in The Last Samurai with Tom Cruise. I love the gracfulness in the Asian fight art.
If I should win, can I have FRIDAY NIGHT BITES :D
Ok, I'm dating myself here. My favorite fight scene was from the Karate Kid. You know, where they are at the karate tourni at the end and he is injured, but nails that bad guy with that pelican perch hit (sorry, been a while)
I would love to win a shirt from the cafe press store.
zenfoxflowerATyahooDOTcom
I'm going to have to go with the movie Eastern Promises and the naked fight scene with Viggo Mortensen. Not because he's naked (that's just a bonus!) but it's a very visual and I think it took a lot of courage for Mr. Mortensen to play that scene as he did.
No need to enter me for the books, I own them both!
Favorite fight scene... I'm going to stretch this a little, to include a tense, ALMOST fight scene. In Lynsay Sands' Argeneau book.. "The Accidental Vampire," Victor is willing to fight his (much) older brother, and die in the process. Luckily it doesn't come to that.. but still. I think that should count!
I'd like to be entered for both, the gift card and the book, is that an option?
Thank you!
Morning Glow
ohmorningglow AT aol DOT com
For me, it's the final lightsaber battle in Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith. Say what you want about the rest of that particular movie, or the one that came before it, but that fight scene was totally awesome, and you all know it!
As for which book I want...I want whichever one comes first chronologically. Amazon is not being very forthcoming with such information, and I can't find it anywhere else (or I'm an idiot and missed it).
Email in profile. Thanks!
One of my all time favorite fight scenes is from The Forbidden Kingdom. Jackie Chan vs. Jet Li. I was on the edge of my seat watching those two go at it. If you haven't had the chance to check it out go rent, borrow or steal it. It's totally worth it.
Count me in! *Crossing fingers and hoping to win Friday Night Bites.*
Thanks for stopping by Chloe.
Thanks for the contest Donna.
*Jen*
iiiioneloveiiii(AT)gmail(DOT)com
Hi :)
Thanks for sharing Chloe!
My favorite fight scene is The Matrix final fight between Neo and Agent Smith.
:)
All the best,
RKCharron
xoxo
My favorite fight scene would have to be between Ria and Alaiya in Mercury's War by Lora Leigh. It was pretty intense and the ending was hilarious.
Thanks for stopping by Chloe!
My favorite fight scene is in Shadow Kiss by RIchelle Mead when all the strogoi attack the academy and Rose and Christain fight together, it was plain crazy!!
I'd like to win the first bok as I've been wanting to read the series but haven't started yet!
Thanks for the giveaway!
I know it's a bit cheesy and overdone, but I loved the Mr. & Mrs. Smith big fight scene. Awesome.
And I've never read these, so fingers crossed!
I would like to win Some Girls Bite.
~Misty
mbradenwf@gmail.com
Thanks for the fun post. I have some good tips if I ever have to write a fight scene.
My fave fight from a movie is in the Borne movies. They all look so real!
I'd love to win the books.
I posted this in the Contests & Giveaways section on my blog
http://allthingsurbanfantasy.blogspot.com
AllThingsUrbanFantasy(at) gmail (dot) com
Fabulous contest. My favorite fight scene is from Blade: Trinity when Blade fights Drake. Awesome scene.
Crystal816{at}hotmail{dot}com
Whoops! I meant I'd love to win the 1st book (Some Girls Bite) since I'm new to this series :)
Lol. Great title for your guest post! Thanks for this. I've been very much interested in reading this series. My favorite fight scene in a book is the Midnight Games battle in MAGIC STRIKES by Ilona Andrews, where Kate and Curran go out into the arena together. Made of freaking awesome. I would love to win SOME GIRLS BITE!
My favorite fight scene was the Matrix one where Neo fights a million Mr. Smiths. I know its unrealistic, but IT'S SO COOL!
And I would like Some Girls Bite thanks!
I like any of the Matrix fight scenes. I know I'm such a dork lol.
I would like to win a copy of Friday Night Bites. I can't wait to read that book.
Don't enter me but I want to participate! Chloe is sending me review copies and I'm super excited to be checking out her books!
LOVE the "Use him." (DH) suggestion. I'll have to remember that if I start writing....an excuse to kick my husbands ass, excellent idea!
For some reason I can't think of a book fight scene nor a regular movie fight scene. But what did I think of?
Jim Carrey kicking his own ass in the bathroom in Liar, Liar.
Yeah. Weird, I know. But I wanted to share! Great contest!
Thanks for the great giveaway. I would love to win Friday Night Bites. My fav fight scene is when Uma fights Lucy in Kill Bill.
lizzi0915 at aol dot com
I'm actually not a big fan of fight scenes, but I really like the fight between Captain Jack Harkness and Captain John Hart in Torchwood series 2 episode 1. And I like any of the fencing scenes from Errol Flynn's swashbucklers like Captain Blood or Robin Hood. Thanks for the awesome giveaway!
I like the battle scenes in the LOTR movies. They usually show a couple of different fight scenes going on at the same time which makes it really exciting to watch. And they have really good background music to go along with it.
jen4777[at]hotmail.com
favorite fight scene is only a sorta fight. In Star Wars: A New Hope...when the heroes run into the squad of Stormtroopers and Han runs after them only to run into a full platoon of them and runs the other way, firing the whole time.
Please enter me for the novel
Favorite fight scene would be Karate Kid at the end when he does the crane position.
I`d like to be enter for Friday Night Bites
elaing8(at)netscape(dot)net
nice guest post. i have a couple friends who have black belts in tae kwon do. it's so great seeing them "fight."
I don't mind either prize, though I would love one of the books. :)
favorite fight scene in film would be Fight Club and when the narrator is fighting Tyler Durden in the parking garage.
-lauren
lauren51990 AT aol DOT com
love the final fight scene in Roadhouse with Patrick Swayze expecially the part where the giant stuffed polar bear fell on the big ole boy lol. I snicker every time I watch that.
forgot to say I'd love the first of her books.
My favorite fight scene is from the book 'destined for an early grave' by jeaniene frost where Bones is fighting Gregory near the end of the book.
Any prize is fine :)
Van
Littopandaxpress (at) yahoo (dot) com
My favorite fight scene is basically the whole movie Lord of the Rings: Return of the King!
I would love to read the Chicagoland Vampires books!
I love the movie the Last Samurai with all the fights scenes with Tom Cruise. It's probably not the "coolest" thing to mention but I love that movie!
I'd like to win the Some Girls Bite prize!
Kim
bookbutterfly9@gmail.com
My favourite fight scene is probably the last one in The Fight Club.
If I win I would prefer Friday Night Bites.
Thank you.
Neville
buddytho {at} gmail DOT com
My favorite fight scene? Hmmm....well as much as I like a good action packed one like in the Underworld movies, I'd have to say my favorite fight scene is the BIG fight scene at the end of the first Pirates of the Caribbean movie! I love Captain Jack's conversation he has with Barbossa as they duel. Very entertaining! And even when Elizabeth and Will are engaging in their own fights are pretty good.
If by chance I would win, I wouldn't mind winning the Friday Night Bites copy. Yeah, I know, passing up the gift card. But still I'd like to win a new book for once! ;)
Donna,
Wonderful post.
Chloe, thanks for stopping by - I loved Some Girls Bite and can't wait for Friday Night Bites. :)
My favorite fight scene? That is tough - I have several. LOL I think the one that gave me the most satisfaction was in Rocky IV - the showdown between Rocky and Drago. But that is boxing - not fighting......so for just an all out brawl - Jason Statham in any movie he's ever been in. :) Then again I love Kickboxer and Blood Sport with Jean Claude Van Damme.
I'm just an action movie kinda gal. LOL
I would love to win Friday Night Bites. :)
Thank you.
M
kweenmg@yahoo.com
My favorite fight scene is from Kill Bill. I love watching sword fights with people who know what they are doing and those movies have some great ones.
I would love to win Friday Night Bites.
bacchus76 at myself dot com
my favorite fight scene? in books it would have to be the ones in Dragonlance novels, especially in the Chronicles. Those were really good to read.
In movies, it'll have to be Lord of the Rings The Two Towers. That's a classic fighting scene.
I would prefer to win Some Girls Bite
sensitivemuse at gmail dot com
movie fight scenes aren't my thing, but as for fight scenes in books gotta love it when Bones and Cat throw down in Jeaniene Frost's Night Huntress series.
What a release and a high to have a boyfriend you can just beat the crap out of
Does that make me twisted?
Anyway I'd love to win Friday Night Bites
Thanks
I can't usually watch gore-y movies but I have to say that the best fight scene is from Fight Club when it shows "tyler" beating himself up... it was just crazy :)
:) If I won I would prefer to receive the new Friday Night Bites book, but if that's not available I'd also love the first book since I read it from the library. Thanks!!!!
s
My fave fight scene is in the book RAPHAEL by DB Reynolds when Cyn and Raphael go to the Odessa Imports warehouse to fight the Russian mobsters and finish with a sizzling love scene. Yum!
I loved SOME GIRLS BITE and would like FRIDAY NIGHT BITES if I win.
Hi Chloe and Donna! One of my favorite fight scenes is in a movie called Hellfighters. John Wayne and cast get into a fight in bar. The scene is actually very funny and it makes me laugh everytime. I would absolutely love to win a copy of Friday Night Bites! I loved the first book.
Have a great weekend.
Donna - I love this format for an interview.
Chloe - I am new to your books love the research info - the fight scenes sound like they will be great in your series!
Like Chloe I loved Kill Bill's fight scenes - My favorite fight scene for girls is when Lucy Lui and Uma Thurman are in the garden with the sword and the rest is well known. :)
I would love the first is the series of the Chicago Land books. Thank!
layersofthought {@} gmail {dot} com
My favorite fight scene was the big bruhaha Mark Darcy and Daniel Cleaver in Bridget Jones' Diary. That was a great scene! I've heard really good things about the Chicagoland books and would love a chance to read one. Thanks annhonATaolDOTcom
I had a friend who got me addicted to HK movies. Of course, she always translated the plot summaries from the website for me...so since we've parted paths I haven't seen any new ones. :(
My favorite fight scene has to be from Karate Kid, not b/c of the awesome special affects (bless the 80's), but due to the corny the underdog will win kinda angle. Also who doesn't love a movie where wax on wax off, grasshopper, and mullets were popular.
Contest You know me, I'm a book hoe.
I would be very happy with either book, but if I have to pick - I'd like Friday Night Bites.
My favorite fight scene - the knife fight on the beach on The Count of Monte Cristo.
Thanks for the entry!
gaby317nyc at gmail dot com
My fav fight scene is the one from the last LOTR installment where Legolas and Gimli compete to see who scores the most kills!
I'd love to win either one of the books please.
lesly7ch(at)yahoo(dot)com
Hi, everyone! Sorry I've only just now been able to drop by. I have two days left before my deadline for TWICE BITTEN (Chicagoland Vampires #3), so I'm working ferociously to try and get it finished up.
Good luck with the contests!!!
Best,
Chloe
great contest! my favorite fight scene would be harry potter and malfoy in the second harry potter film. it was funny and harry was winning, it was awesome. the prize i would like to win is the some girls bite book, the first one of the series.
Thanks,
Ashley
arudd908@gmail.com
Although I was intensely disappointed with the movie, I definitely enjoyed the fight scene from The Promise.
I'd really like to win either Some Girls Bites or the $25 for Cafe Press (totally want a T-shirt, lol).
Biki
chichai_hana(at)hotmail(dot)com
My fave fight scene is in Kill Bill when Uma is fighting Gogo.
I would love Some Girls Bite.
throuthehaze at gmail dot com
Just because they're so over-the-top, I love the fight scenes in the Charlie's Angels movies. :0) Too funny.
I'd love to win Friday Night Bites.
Thanks!
librarygrinch at gmail dot com
I guess I would have to say James McAvoy in Wanted because I went to wanted because a go friend wanted to see it... And I really liked it even though I didn't think I would
Favorite fight scene still has to be the end to Matrix 1 where Trinity and Neo went to save Morpheus.
I'd love to win a copy of Friday Night Bites. Loved the first book!
My favorite battle was the fight scene in The Two Towers.
I'd like a copy of Some Girls Bite.
I loved Some Girls Bite and I can't wait to read Friday Night Bites so that is my choice if I win. I am truely excited about Firespell to as it comes out on my birthday. I guess I have a birthday wish already.
My favorite fight scene in a movie is in 300 when the Spartans make their stand. I love the fight scene in Some Girls Bite also between Ethan and Merit. He could have hurt her and she just wanted him.
stormrder69@hotmail.com
Awesome giveaway, please enter me for the first book, Some Girls Bite! I'd love to get started on this series :)
It's already been mentioned, but my fav fight scene is definitely when Rose and Christian fight the Strigoi at the end of Shadow Kiss (Vampire Academy series). Cause damn, they were badass :)
Thanks!
hanging.by.a.moment_@hotmail.com
One of my favorite fight scenes in in Karen Marie Moning's secon Fae book, where Barrons and Mac are fighting each other - then they almost get carried away in the opposite direction. That was pretty good.
I would love one of the books, Friday Night Bites or Some Girls Bite- love books
Either prize is fine!
My favorite fight scene would probably have to be "the final battle" in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows!
behapppppppy(at)hotmail(dot)com
My favorite fight scene was in an anime called Last Exile. Its between Luciola and his eldest brother Cicada. It was less of a fight and more of a dance really, as they mirrored each other's moves and moved with a liquid grace that could never be in real life. Everytime I see if I feel excited and awed.
I'd love to the win the giftcard!
Lexie
Lexie.Cenni(@)gmail.com
Mine is from the book Blood and Gold by Anne Rice when Marius is dragging and fighting Eudoxia at the same time.
Valorie
morbidromantic@gmail.com
My favourite fight scene is from the Lara Croft: Tomb Raider movie. I can't point to a specific one though 'cause I loved them all! Hee hee! So cool. :D I'd be interested in a chance at winning a copy of Some Girls Bite.
un_pissenlit (at) hotmail (dot) com
I have two b/c they serve different purposes. My favorite funny fight scene is from Pineapple Express when the James Franco, Seth Rogen, and Danny McBride characters fight in the McBride character's house! It's hilarious! My favorite serious fight scene is from "300" when the Spartans fight to the last man against Persian "God-King" Xerxes, and it's brutal but awesome.
If I win, I'd like "Friday Night Bites", because I'm new to the series and wold love to read it :)
Thanks for the cool giveaway
~Bella Franco
iroquois.girl@yahoo.com
I love Indiana Jones and that scene with a gun responce to martial arts.
teresa.fav AT gmail.com
I forgot\ to add that I would prefer second book in the serie
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