Women are not men with mammaries. They don’t approach, handle, or react to violence in the same way. Aiki Flinthart is a long-time martial artist, archer, knife-thrower, assault-survivor, and author of 14+ novels - all with kick-ass heroines and heroes. In Fight Like a Girl, she brings her own experience, plus the results of extensive research and interviews, to the table for fellow authors. You should come away with an excellent understanding of the differences between males and females, how they fight, react, and think. What weapons and techniques work well for smaller physiques. How it feels to be involved in a fight.
You’ll also get a deep understanding of how to apply that knowledge to an actual fight scene. A step by step guide to how to write and pace your fight scene, word choices, foreshadowing, character arcs, and how to pack an emotional punch.
Make sure your readers devour your fight scenes. Pick up a copy of Fight Like a Girl.
Review : Sadly, we’re not all Brienne of Tarth (hallowed be her name), so stories with combat scenes in which women, trained or otherwise, easily overcome their male opponents by fighting like guys frequently don’t ring true. But where brute strength isn’t always an option, cunning, adaptation, strategy and general sneakiness might just win the day. Flinthart’s Fight Like A Girl is a considered, credible and practical writer’s guide to crafting believable fights for female protagonists, as well as creating fights that serve the best interests of the story. - Angela Slatter, author of the World Fantasy Award-winning The Bitterwood Bible and Other Recountings
This little book is not about how to be a perfect writer, or a perfect martial artist. Nor is it yet another “How to Write” type instruction manual. Instead, it’s about transferring the life-lessons learned in one passion, into another. Using the strengths of one art to overcome the difficulties of another. Learning the mindsets that enable success in more than one aspect of life.
Having trained for 20 years in martial arts, Aiki Flinthart noticed behaviour and thought patterns were applicable to her other love: writing. She went on to apply these, and to help, mentor, and teach many other authors.
Every author—whether a famous veteran, a part-time hobbyist, or an eager new writer determined to build a career—will find ideas of value in this work. From thoughts on determination and strength, to respect and collaboration, to adaptability, proving yourself, fear, self-control, prioritising, and even to facing your inner darkness. From tips on where to start your journey if you’re a new writer, to how to push through times of uncertainty and worry. For the newer author, there are recommendations on where to start your journey and what skills you need to learn. For all authors there are helpful suggestions on how to enrich your writing abilities.
Whatever you’re looking for in your writing career, this book will give you something profound to think about. Perhaps even ideas that will impact your life outside of writing.
Industry review: Both a call to arms and a comfort, How to get a Blackbelt in Writing is a practical, easy-to-read guide for navigating the writer’s journey. Learn what it takes to get started - more importantly - keep going. From Aiki Flinthart: a woman who’s kicked arse as a martial artist and an author. Geneve Flynn, editor, author and writers workshop facilitator. www.geneveflynn.com.au