Whether you write fantasy with sword fights, historical fiction, domestic noir, or thrillers, chances are you will construct a fight scene at some point in your author career. In today's interview, martial artist Aiki Flinthart gives some ideas for writing fight scenes with female characters, whether they are trained fighters or in an unprepared situation. In the intro, I talk about the new Custom Google Search bar for this site which you can find on Start Here and the home page. I've been answering questions about writing, publishing, book marketing and making money as a writer since 2008, so if you have a question, try searching first! I also mention the issue of self-doubt and a question that one person asked in my recent survey, “Is it ok to be mediocre? Should I give up due to not being an amazing writer?” Plus, tips on how to get back into writing a book if you left it unfinished at a previous point. [I left Map of the Impossible at 15K words back in November in order to write Audio for Authors!] Do you need help with marketing, publicity or advertising? Find a curated list of vetted professionals at the Reedsy marketplace, along with free training on writing, self-publishing and book marketing. Check it out at: www.TheCreativePenn.com/reedsy Aiki Flinthart is an award-nominated Australian author of 12 novels and a martial artist. Her latest nonfiction book is Fight Like a Girl: Writing Fight Scenes for Female Characters. [Please note: We talk about violence by, between and against women in this episode. In an empowering manner, for sure, but be clear that this interview is about physical violence.] You can listen above or on your favorite podcast app or read the notes and links below. Here are the highlights and full transcript below. Show Notes * What fight scenes add to books in terms of conflict * How fight scenes can be a metaphor * Remembering that characters must be changed by both internal and external conflict * How and why women fight differently than men. We also mention the episode with Alan Baxter on writing fight scenes — and if you'd like to know more about sword fighting, check out this interview with Guy Windsor. * How women and men are socialized differently around violence * Using setting to help write a good fight scene * How posture and presence affect how we are perceived — don't be a victim. * Tips for different types of self-defense You can find Aiki Flinthart at AikiFlinthart.com and on Twitter @AikiFlinthart Transcript of Interview with Aiki Flinthart Joanna: Aiki Flinthart is an award-nominated Australian author of 12 novels and a martial artist....