Let’s talk about the use of weapons in your writing, especially if you have never held a gun before. If the world you write about is full of guns, take a moment to shoot one. Shooting a gun is an assault on your senses, and experiencing it will add a depth and texture to your writing, that research alone never could.
If you don’t own a gun or know anyone who does, there are options out there. My advice is to contact a gun club and let them know what you are doing. Most reputable clubs are about education and responsible use of weapons. They are happy to teach and lift the veil of mystery that surrounds guns. I recommend at least shooting a hand gun and a rifle of some sort. There are so many kinds, and each feels unique. Discover the difference between a lever action and automatic rifle, which are worlds apart when it comes to weight and kick.
If you don’t own a gun or know anyone who does, there are options out there. My advice is to contact a gun club and let them know what you are doing. Most reputable clubs are about education and responsible use of weapons. They are happy to teach and lift the veil of mystery that surrounds guns. I recommend at least shooting a hand gun and a rifle of some sort. There are so many kinds, and each feels unique. Discover the difference between a lever action and automatic rifle, which are worlds apart when it comes to weight and kick.
Renee shooting a friend's Hp 45
Of all my experiences, I enjoyed shooting the Hp 45 the best. It’s an automatic with very little kick, and very light weight. I shot a watermelon until it disappeared, and after I got over my initial nervousness of shooting such an intimating piece of weaponry, I giggled the entire time. It was 100% different from shooting my husband’s lever action .22, which was much heavier and exhausting having to pump after each use.
The disappearing watermelon
While writing, consider the POV of the character holding the gun. A more experienced character would not notice the sound and feel as much, they would know the proper name of a gun and the different type of ammo that can be used with it. A less experienced character would certainly take note of the sound and kick of a weapon, but perhaps be unable to differentiate between the different weapons any further than “big gun” and “little gun”.
Archery is no different. There are traditional and compound bows, which operate and look different. And if you happen to be right handed and left eye dominate, you are going to see two targets at the end of the range. If you are going to write about a bow, pick up a bow. Know what it feels like when the cams turn over and relieve the pounds of pressure from your pull arm. Know what it feels like when the string kisses your forearm, and why you should never dry fire a bow. Again, there are clubs that will let you come in and shoot with an instructor using the club equipment, sometimes even for free. They are just as eager to teach as you are to learn.
SO, before your hero or heroine picks up that weapon, know what they are going to experience so you can bring that
experience to your reader.
Archery is no different. There are traditional and compound bows, which operate and look different. And if you happen to be right handed and left eye dominate, you are going to see two targets at the end of the range. If you are going to write about a bow, pick up a bow. Know what it feels like when the cams turn over and relieve the pounds of pressure from your pull arm. Know what it feels like when the string kisses your forearm, and why you should never dry fire a bow. Again, there are clubs that will let you come in and shoot with an instructor using the club equipment, sometimes even for free. They are just as eager to teach as you are to learn.
SO, before your hero or heroine picks up that weapon, know what they are going to experience so you can bring that
experience to your reader.
