The full title for this book is Fight Like a Girl: Writing Fight Scenes for Female Character, and that is exactly what this book is.
This book provides information about the physical, biochemical, and sociological differences between different types of fights, be they female, male, an amateur, professional within the military, or professional within law enforcement. There is also information about how to write fight scenes (what to consider and include in your narrative). This book was clearly written by a writer to be used as a writing resource.
Goodreads Review:
The JLM Writing Books Book Club reviewed this book in June 2025. We are recommending this book as a good resource for anyone who is interested in writing physical fight scenes. It doesn't matter if your characters are male or female. All types of characters are discussed, ranging from the inexperienced through to the professional. There is even a discussion about how military personnel are different to law enforcement.
We recommend that you read the book from start to finish at least once, so you can get a feel for what the book covers. Then you can dive in and out based on the characters you are writing.
Women are not men with mammaries. They don’t approach, handle, or react to violence in the same way.
Aiki Flinthart is a long-time martial artist, archer, knife-thrower, assault-survivor, and author of 11+ novels – all with kick-ass heroines and heroes.
In Fight Like a Girl, she brings her own experience, plus the results of extensive research and interviews, to the table for fellow authors.
You should come away with an excellent understanding of the differences between males and females, how they fight, react, and think. What weapons and techniques work well for smaller physiques. How it feels to be involved in a fight.
You’ll also get a deep understanding of how to apply that knowledge to an actual fight scene. A step by step guide to how to write and pace your fight scene, word choices, foreshadowing, character arcs, and how to pack an emotional punch.
Make sure your readers devour your fight scenes. Pick up a copy of Fight Like a Girl.