: Re: How do I realistically describe using a whip? I'm writing a character who is going to be using a whip. While the scenario is clear in my mind, whenever I try to describe the character's usage

@Yeniel532

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I wanted to add a comment to what's answer, but it ended up being too long.

I entirely agree that you need to have some real experience with someone using it, either using one yourself or watching videos of people extensively.

In my writing I described someone using an axe, and could only say 'he swung the axe', but after simply chopping some wood with a real axe I have such a better idea about the motion needed to move it with force.

It requires the entire body to work with it, and you need to know what to do with your legs and arms not only to use it, but to make sure you don't cut off a toe or a finger. I'm guessing learning to use a whip would be even more dangerous.

I would suggest doing the same thing, or if you need to watch videos (I wouldn't have the foggiest idea where to buy a bullwhip) try to watch the motion of the whip on one viewing, and then watch how the person moves in another.

I only know of the movies 300 and the Indiana Jones movies that use whips, and they aren't used extensively, and I have no idea if they are used particularly realistically. This might be colouring your idea of how they really work.

I wouldn't rely on any fictional work to get an idea, try to go straight to the source. This is what I struggled with describing using axes. Actors seem to just flail them around, but as props they likely weigh nothing. Treating a weapon with real weight like that you would likely injure every muscle in your body.

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