How to Show, Not Tell When Writing

Show, don't tell. If you've ever submitted a manuscript that received this type of feedback, you may be frustrated and annoyed. You may rewrite your manuscript and send it back in, only to receive the same feedback. Do you tell your stories instead of showing them? This article will help you overcome that handicap.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Manuscript
• Word processor
• Time

1. Use the search function on your word processor to search for the words felt, described or saw. These words often indicate telling, rather than showing. For example, Kelly felt bad about the decision she made. To make this sentence showing you would change it too, Disappointed by the situation and the decisions it forced, Kelly sighed.

2. Write first. Rewrite later. Focus on showing as you write, but don't spend too much time worrying about that until you get to the edit phase. By highlighting these passive uses and expository sentences, you will be able to correct the telling in your story.

3. Edit your work by carefully replacing telling sentences with showing. While the words felt, described and saw are indicative of telling, it is important to recognize that any sentence that expresses something your character is thinking or feeling without actually expressing that emotion is telling.

4. Showing instead of telling takes practice. It is one of the hardest things for a writer to learn. It is also the technique that separates the wannabe writer with the published author. Example: She wanted to go to sleep. She was tired. That's telling. Exhausted, she gazed at the bed. It would be so easy to just curl up and go to sleep. That's showing.

Tips & Warnings

• Show, don't tell
• Highlight the word felt
• Use active emotions and engagement
• Practice, practice, practice
• Write, then rewrite
• Don't overdue it
• Remember you can use the word felt when describing the action of actually 'feeling' something, but avoid the use of the word in general.

[jerder]

on 5/28/2009 When I saw your title, knew I just had to check it out. My English and Creative Writing Professor stressed "Showing not Telling" when I was in college in the mid eighties. Well written, informative, concise, and an article anyone majoring in creative writing or just wanting to write should read this article. I am giving you a five star rating.

[kittycooks]

on 5/28/2009 You are right, it is much more interesting writing. Thanks!

[kristara]

on 5/28/2009 Great writing tips!

[HVLong]

on 5/28/2009 I've found that the most basic concepts are sometimes the hardest to grasp.

[musingsallie]

on 5/27/2009 I enjoyed this. Basic, but a concept I never thought of.