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How to Practice Show, Don’t Tell
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“Show, don’t tell” is a cornerstone of good writing. It’s advice you’ve likely heard countless times, but actually doing it? That’s the hard part. telling describes events; showing immerses the reader in an experience. It’s the difference between saying “He was angry” and describing his clenched fists, flushed face, and the way his voice shook as he spoke.
Why Show, Don’t Tell?
Showing creates a more vivid and engaging experience for your reader. It allows them to draw their own conclusions, making the story more impactful. Telling, conversely, feels distant and can leave the reader feeling disconnected. It’s about trusting your reader to understand emotions and motivations through actions and details, rather than explicitly stating them.
How to Practice Showing, Not telling
Here are some exercises to help you move from telling to showing:
1. Rewrite Telling Statements
Start with simple “telling” sentences. Then, rewrite them using descriptive language and action. Such as:
- Telling: She was sad.
- Showing: A single tear traced a path down her cheek, and her shoulders slumped as if carrying a great weight.
Focus on sensory details – what does the character see, hear, smell, taste, and feel? What are they doing? How are their surroundings reacting to their emotional state?