Authors, Writers, Publishers, and Book Readers

"Show, Don't Tell" - explained.

It's never really explained properly, is it? I like Laura's article that demonstrates well what's meant by that. Quote:

If there’s one piece of universal writing advice it’s this: “Show, Don’t Tell”.

But what does that really mean — and how is it done?

Let’s begin with a definition. “Telling” uses abstract, general terms (The dog was big and scary.) “Showing” uses specific nouns and verbs and pulls from the five senses so the reader will get exactly the meaning the author intends. (Eva felt the dog’s breath on her cheek as she passed by the chain link fence, and smelled the musty odor from his matted fur. Out of the corner of her eye she saw him keep pace with her slow, deliberate steps. But when a low growl rose from the dog’s throat, Eva ran.

How to "Show, Don't Tell"

0 members like this

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Dairenna VonRavenstone on June 2, 2010 at 2:13am

I'm always conflicted on this. The first groupings of stories I wrote, people told me I 'showed' TOO much. Now, reviewers are saying I don't have as much 'showing' as other people in my genre. I try to balance it in such a way that a person can still let their own imagination fill in the details. Though I have to say, I'm a pro at picking a single verb to show action...lol. And I tend to over-describe a character's physical appearance, I just like characters with complicated outfits.