Writer-Centric POV Playlist: You’re drafting an epic showdown between your hero and their greatest foe
- Katherine Arkady
- Jan 16
- 2 min read
Updated: Mar 25
Introduction
The battlefield is set.
Tension crackles in the air like a brewing storm. Your hero stands, weapon in hand—steel, magic, or sheer determination—facing the one enemy who has pushed them to their limits.
Every wound, every lesson, every hard-fought victory has led to this moment.
Now, it’s up to you to capture the heart-pounding action, the raw emotion, the final clash between light and darkness. And what better way to fuel your writing than with a playlist designed to immerse you in the chaos and triumph of an epic showdown?
Turn up the volume, sharpen your words like a blade, and get to it.
And scroll down for writing tips!
Set List
Vengeance
Zack Hemsey The Way
Holst: The Planets, Op. 32: 1. Mars, The Bringer Of War
Chicago Symphony Orchestra, James Levine & Gustav Holst
POWER
Kanye West My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
Smells Like Teen Spirit
Nirvana Nevermind (Deluxe Edition)
Cubensis Lenses
Psychedelic Porn Crumpets High Visceral, Pt. 1
Sabotage
Beastie Boys Ill Communication
The Four Seasons - Winter - Allegro Non Molto
Various Artists & Antonio Vivaldi The Four Seasons
Renegade (feat. Eminem)
JAY-Z The Blueprint
The Pretender
Foo Fighters Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace
Carmina Burana: O Fortuna
David Parry, London Philharmonic Orchestra & London Philharmonic Choir
Quick Tips for Writing a Showdown Scene
Use short, punchy sentences for fast action – Keep the momentum high by avoiding long, complex sentences during intense moments.
Describe movements vividly – Make readers feel every punch, dodge, and strike through sensory details.
Keep emotions at the core of the battle – I'm talking revenge, desperation, fear, or triumph, emotion should drive the fight.
Vary the pacing – make room for explosive action and brief moments of stillness. This allows the fight to breathe and build tension and make big hits land harder. This gives the battle a rhythm!
Use all five senses – Don’t just describe what’s seen—let readers hear, feel, and even taste the battle.
Keep choreography clear – Ensure the sequence of movements makes sense so readers don’t get lost.
Leverage the environment – Let characters use surroundings creatively. They can turn obstacles into weapons or advantages!
Raise the stakes mid-fight – A weapon breaks, an ally falls, an enemy reveals a hidden strength—keep readers on edge.
Let characters fight how they live – A reckless brawler, a precise strategist, or a scrappy survivor—make their style personal.
Use dialogue sparingly but effectively – A taunt, a final revelation, or a desperate plea can add layers to the fight.
Make every hit count – Avoid repetitive back-and-forth swings; each action should serve the story.
Don’t forget exhaustion – Battles take a toll. Show shaking hands, ragged breaths, and the struggle to keep going.
End with impact – Whether it’s victory, defeat, or something in between, the resolution should leave a mark.
Links to My Playlist Profiles
All is fair in love and war,
Katherine Arkady
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