Show, Don’t Tell: The Cardinal Rule of Writing Explained
This post dives deep into the "Show, Don’t Tell" principle, a fundamental concept in writing that can significantly impact reader engagement. Instead of simply stating facts, learn how to immerse your audience in the story through vivid descriptions and sensory details.
What is "Show, Don’t Tell"?
Telling the reader something is a direct, informative approach. For example, "It was cold." Showing, on the other hand, uses descriptive language to allow the reader to infer the same information. For instance, "Bill raised his collar, turned his face away from the biting wind, and thrust his hands deep into his pockets."
Why is it Important?
- Engagement: Showing involves the reader in the story, allowing them to deduce information and form their own conclusions.
- Emotion: It evokes emotion more effectively than simply stating facts.
- Impact: Mastering this technique can be the difference between a manuscript that gets noticed by agents and publishers and one that doesn’t.
How to "Show, Don’t Tell": Practical Techniques
- Engage the Senses:
- Sight: This is often the easiest, but don’t rely on it exclusively.
- Hearing: Use dialogue and sound descriptions to create a richer experience.
- Smell, Taste, Touch: These are often neglected but can add significant depth. Consider:
- The aroma wafting from a kitchen.
- The texture of rough wood.
- The chill of a stone pulled from a lake.
- Dialogue is Key:
- Use realistic dialogue to reveal information naturally, instead of explicitly stating it.
- Let the reader piece together the story through conversations.
- Avoid dialogue that sounds unnatural or forced, just to "tell" the reader something.
- Use Active Verbs:
- Replace "state of being" verbs (is, am, are, was, were, be, being, been, has, have, had) with active verbs.
- Example: Instead of "The man was standing on the platform," write "The man stood on the platform."
- Active verbs make your writing more direct and powerful.
- Embrace Active Voice:
- Avoid passive voice, which can weaken your writing. Look for the word "by."
- Passive: "The party was planned by Jill."
- Active: "Jill planned the party."
- Resist the Urge to Explain:
- Trust your readers to understand implied meanings.
- Avoid stating the obvious. Instead of "She glanced up at the clouds in the sky," write "She glanced at the clouds."
When is "Telling" Acceptable?
While "Show, Don’t Tell" is a powerful guideline, there are exceptions. Narrative summary can be more effective when:
- Moving a character from one location to another without significant events occurring during the journey. Showing every detail of a mundane trip can bore the reader.
Examples from Literature:
- Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier: Demonstrates how to layer description into the action, creating a seamless reading experience.
- The Sign of Four by Arthur Conan Doyle: John Watson’s observation of Sherlock Holmes creates a vivid image of Holmes’s character.
- Beloved by Toni Morrison: Condenses many years into a single, powerful paragraph, showcasing the impact of historical events on individual lives.
Key Takeaway
Mastering "Show, Don’t Tell" empowers you to create immersive stories that resonate with readers on a deeper level. By appealing to their senses, using effective dialogue, and trusting their intelligence, you can unlock the full potential of your writing.
Tags: Writing, Writing Tips, Show Don’t Tell, Creative Writing, Fiction Writing, Narrative, Dialogue, Sensory Details, Active Voice, Passive Voice, Jerry Jenkins, Writing Advice, Author Tips, Storytelling, Writing Techniques, Book Writing, Manuscript, Editing, Self-Editing
Sources
[1] watch?v=-83QrAAbnQY https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-83QrAAbnQY