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Advice for writers

Show, Don’t Tell: Enhancing Your Descriptive Writing

Show Dont Tell Enhancing Your Descriptive Writing 1

Show or Tell? Do or Don’t?

If you’ve ever wondered how to breathe life into your storytelling, you’re in the right place. In this post, we’re diving headfirst into the oft-tricky realm of “Show, Don’t Tell” – a writing technique that can transform your words from a mere narrative into a vivid, immersive experience. So grab your quill, and let’s embark on a journey to master the art of showing instead of telling.

Why Does “Show, Don’t Tell” Matter?

Picture this: You’re reading a novel, and the author describes a character as “angry.” It’s a straightforward statement, right? But now imagine the same character slamming doors, clenching fists, and hurling a coffee cup across the room. Suddenly, you’re not just told they’re angry; you can feel the rage emanating from the page. That’s the power of “showing.”

When you “show” in your writing, you let your readers experience the story through their senses, emotions, and imagination. You create a cinematic experience, allowing readers to become active participants rather than mere spectators. This engagement is what keeps readers turning the pages and investing in your characters’ journeys.

How Can You “Show” Instead of “Tell”?

Now, let’s get down to brass tacks. How do you actually “show” instead of “tell” in your writing? Here are some golden nuggets to keep in your writer’s toolkit:

Engage the Senses

Imagine your scene as a movie playing in your readers’ minds. Don’t just describe what your characters see; let them hear, smell, taste, and touch the world you’ve created! Instead of saying, “It was a stormy night,” try, “Rain hammered on the roof like a thousand impatient drummers.” This sensory detail immerses readers in the atmosphere, making them feel as if they are experiencing the storm alongside your characters.

Vivid Imagery

Paint pictures with your words. Instead of stating, “She had a beautiful smile,” try, “Her smile was a sunrise on a gray morning, chasing away the shadows of doubt.” Vivid imagery captures the reader’s imagination and helps them visualize the scene. The more detailed and specific your descriptions, the more likely readers will form a connection with your characters and settings.

Dialogue

Show character relationships and emotions through dialogue. Instead of saying, “They were in love,” let your characters’ words and actions reveal their feelings. A gentle brush of fingertips or a shared secret smile can speak volumes. Dialogue should feel natural and reflect the dynamics between characters, allowing readers to infer emotions without needing explicit statements!

Character Actions

Actions speak louder than adjectives. Show a character’s personality through their actions. Instead of saying, “He was brave,” show him rescuing a kitten from a tree or standing up to a bully twice his size. These actions illustrate bravery without explicitly stating it, making the character’s qualities more relatable and believable.

When Is It Okay to “Tell”?

While “showing” is powerful, there are moments when “telling” can be a helpful shortcut. Use it sparingly for background information or to convey less critical details. For example, you might say, “She had lived in Paris for five years,” to provide context. But when it comes to the heart of your story, “show” all the way. Reserve telling for moments that require brevity or efficiency!

Let Readers Connect the Dots

Trust your readers to be active participants in your narrative. Instead of explaining everything, leave breadcrumbs of details for them to pick up and form their conclusions. This approach encourages engagement and investment in the story, as readers become co-creators of the narrative.

Character Development

A character’s growth is a prime opportunity to “show.” Instead of saying, “She became more confident,” depict her newfound confidence through her posture, speech, and actions. Perhaps she stands taller, speaks with conviction, or takes the lead in a difficult situation. This transformation becomes tangible, allowing readers to witness the character’s journey.

Metaphors and Similes

Embrace metaphors and similes; these literary devices are your secret weapons. They add depth and layers to your writing. For instance, comparing your character’s heartache to a wilting flower gives it a voice and creates a poignant image. Metaphors enrich your prose and evoke emotions, making your writing resonate on a deeper level.

What Is the Balance Between “Showing” and “Telling”?

Now, a word of caution: “telling” isn’t inherently evil. It has its place in your writing arsenal, especially for conveying straightforward information or maintaining pacing! The key is balance. Too much “telling” can make your writing dry and passive, while an overdose of “showing” can slow your narrative to a crawl.

Think of “showing” and “telling” as a dynamic duo – Batman and Robin, Han Solo and Chewbacca. They complement each other when used judiciously. Finding the right balance requires practice and intuition, allowing you to craft a compelling narrative that flows smoothly.

How Can You Practice “Show, Don’t Tell”?

Like any skill, mastering “Show, Don’t Tell” takes practice. Experiment with your writing, revise, and seek feedback. Write scenes with the specific goal of “showing” emotions and actions rather than stating them. Pay attention to how different authors implement this technique. Read books by writers known for their descriptive prowess (such as Gabriel Garcia Marquez or Margaret Atwood) to see the technique in action.

Practical Exercises

Rewrite Passive Sentences: Take a passage where you’ve “told” an emotion and rewrite it to “show” that emotion through actions or sensory details.

Character Journals: Write journal entries from your characters’ perspectives, focusing on how they would express their feelings and experiences without explicitly stating them.

Dialogue Drills: Create a scene using only dialogue to convey the emotions and dynamics between characters. Avoid any exposition or description, and let their words reveal everything.

Reading Aloud: Read your work aloud to see how it flows. This practice helps identify areas where “telling” might disrupt the rhythm or where you could enhance the “showing.”

    The Power of “Show, Don’t Tell”

    “Show, Don’t Tell” is your secret weapon to create immersive, unforgettable stories. It’s your passport to a world where readers don’t just read; they live your tale. Unleash the magic in your words and let your storytelling soar to new heights. Remember, the more you practice, the more natural this technique will become in your writing!


    EKB author photo 1

    Erin K. Larson-Burnett, Production Manager at Atmosphere Press (submit your manuscript here!), is a born-and-raised Southerner currently living in Katy, Texas, with her husband and their small domestic zoo. She is an avid ink drinker who lives and breathes books—during the day, she works remotely with authors around the world, honing and perfecting books published through Atmosphere Press. By night, she crafts her own stories…or at least tries to. The Bear & the Rose is her debut novel.

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