Reading: Fanny Hill
by John ClelandWatching: Dr Who
Listening to: Bach
Making me smile: The sunshine and the flowers. Spring is arriving!
Two weekends ago, at the Romance Writers of Australia conference in Coogee, I attended the best workshop EVER. The workshop was How to stage a fight scene, presented by Ray Floro, and it was as fascinating as it was side-splittingly funny. Yes, I know, there's nothing funny about maiming and killing people -- except that Ray Floro had us in gales of laughter as he showed us how to do gruesome things to the characters in our books.
At one point, Ray demonstrated that a sword (well, a machete) IS mightier than a pen, by attacking an uncooked leg of lamb with a number of implements. The depth that the pen went into the lamb was sobering, the wound caused by the knife made us cringe -- but the machete ... let's just say that the leg of lamb didn't fare very well.
I'm now bursting with all sorts of anti-social information, from the best way to strangle or garotte someone to a rudimentary understanding of knife-throwing (thanks to a quick session with Ray after the workshop). Thanks, Ray Floro. That was the best workshop ever!
Do you like fight scenes in books or movies? I confess, I'm a martial arts movie junkie...
That sounds like a cool workshop!
ReplyDeleteHave you seen Inception? There are great action scenes in that. I went to the forensic pathology workshop, so I now have more confidence about knocking off my characters.
ReplyDeleteI have to agree, that was an amazing workshop (there should be some very worried hubbies around the country right about now, lol). It gave great insight into how to incorporate a kick-butt heroine into my stories - but rather soberly reminded me how easy it is for any serious criminal to get around security.
ReplyDeleteI loved Ray's workshop. He had the whole room enthralled. And while the machete was mightier than the pen, he did do some interesting things with a pen ;))
ReplyDeleteI love fight scenes in movies though the Hollywood - one attacking at a time has always had me shaking my head. But like you Emily, martial arts movies are fascinating - in a way fight scenes in movies are like a dance.
Kez, seriously, it was the best workshop I've ever attended! Funny AND fascinating -- and full of fantastic info for future books. My heroes had better be worried...
ReplyDeleteNo, I haven't seen Inception, Keziah. Thanks for the heads-up. I must see it -- I love a great action scene!
ReplyDeleteYes, Anita, I agree with you -- enthralling but sobering. Can't wait to use some of the info in my books!
ReplyDeleteYeah, I love martial arts movies, Eleni. You're right, the fight scenes are like dances -- lethal, but balletic, and fantastic to watch! Mmm ... I feel a martial arts movie binge coming on!
ReplyDeleteI agree about Ray. I haven't laughed so much in ages and still chuckle at the mental image of his machete tangling while fighting in the jungle. What an amazing teacher and entertainer.
ReplyDeleteYes, Zana, I too have a strong memory of him tangling his machete in imaginary vines in the jungle. He's as fabulous a teacher as he is an entertainer -- I can't remember when I last laughed so much!
ReplyDeleteWasn't it fantastic, Emily! Such great down-to-earth information in that workshop and all wrapped up in a fun package! I'll never look at a leg of lamb in quite the same way again! LOL
ReplyDelete:)
Sharon
I agree Emily, the best workshop I've been to by far. I only wished I could have recroded it all so I didn't forget all the amazingly useful stuff he told...
ReplyDeleteYeah, I agree Sharon -- that poor leg of lamb! I wonder what happened to it? Did it end up in a rubbish bin, or an oven...?
ReplyDeleteWe should have videoed it, Mel! That way we could watch it again whenever we need hard facts -- or a laugh!
ReplyDeleteI missed that session, so thanks for the summary, Em! Have to admit, I'm a great big 'fraidy cat about fight scenes in movies.
ReplyDeleteBut Rachel, you like Buffy, right? That's full of fight scenes. Do you watch them or close your eyes???
ReplyDeleteEmily, this workshop sounds like it was such fun! I'm not sure how many fight scenes I could incorporate into my Sweet romances... but there was a lot of laughter coming from that room, and I figure laughing's good so I wish I'd been there.
ReplyDeleteAnd as for fight scenes, I loved the cartoon-esque style of the fight scenes in the first Kill Bill movie -- they made me giggle rather than flinch.
Yes, I agree, Michelle! I also loved the colours in that movie -- it was a visual feast!
ReplyDeleteAnd nope, I don't think you'd get away with fight scenes in your Sweet romances!!
Emily, I *do* love Buffy, but because it's a comedy too, I never get scared. I need more comedy / action / drama series to watch. ;)
ReplyDeleteHelloooooo Everyone,
ReplyDeleteI was just cruising through the internet and stumbled onto this site.
THANK YOU SOOOOO MUCH for the kind comments...but the day was successful because of ALL OF YOU. You were such a pleasure to entertain.
Great questions and great response. The honour was all mine.
Please don't hesitate to ask me any questions...
My email is rfloro@loadednet.com.au
or just ask me here so everyone can benefit
Ray Floro