Chuck Norris is well-known for his action/adventure film roles, and the Chuck Norris Fact parodies that they inspired in recent years. (One favorite: “There once was a street called Chuck Norris, but the name was changed for public safety because nobody crosses Chuck Norris and lives.”)
His experiences as a martial artist inspire those who want to develop their own skills. But they are also instructive to writers in the following ways.
1. Good writing sets a tone.
Watch a Chuck Norris television show or movie, and when he walks into a scene, the implicit message is there: Mess with me at your own peril. I say implicit, because his character doesn’t call attention to himself through screaming or other histrionics. He gets to the point, does what’s required, and that’s it.
Good writing does the same thing. It gets to the point, says what’s required, and that’s it. No need for histrionics.
2. Good writing establishes credibility.
Chuck Norris didn’t start out as a black belt. Like any martial artist, he had to learn the necessary forms and techniques. He began this process while he was serving in the U.S. Air Force in Korea.
Following his discharge in 1962, he opened a chain of karate schools. Eventually he began competing in martial arts tournaments, and continued to develop his skills. When he decided to become an actor in action/adventure films, his years of training gave him the credibility that producers wanted for someone who would be fighting on screen.
Good writing, like martial arts skills, must be developed. Through draft after draft, the writer gains the experience and competence to establish credibility.
3. Good writing draws upon that credibility to create reader confidence.
Like with any genre, action/adventure stories follow certain conventions. The hero, such as those played by Chuck Norris, overcomes adversity to win the day. Fans expect no less.
Good writing has its own conventions. Follow them—know your audience, know your topic, get to the point, polish the prose, correct spelling and punctuation, all of that—and your reader will have confidence in your work.
Sort of like a Chuck Norris movie. You know how it’s going to end.
