Writing Tip: Show Don’t Tell
Anyone who’s been writing for more than a day has heard the phrase Show, Don’t Tell. Every writing teacher, coach, editor, or fellow author has probably said these three words countless times, but it really is a fundamental principle of storytelling. This golden rule is the key to creating immersive and engaging narratives that transport readers into the heart of our worlds. Like anything, it’s usually about balance (there are times where telling is appropriate and even preferred over showing), but since this post is focused on why showing is a good idea, I’m definitely leaning hard into the benefits of it.
So, why is "showing" essential, and how can we master this art in our writing? I don’t have all the answers, but I’m happy to share what I’ve gathered so far.
Why Show, Don't Tell Matters:
Evokes Emotions and Immerses Readers
"Showing" invites readers to experience the story firsthand. Instead of telling them about a character's emotions or the atmosphere of a scene, show it through vivid descriptions, actions, and sensory details. This immersive approach allows readers to feel the emotions and visualize the setting, forging a deeper connection with the narrative.
Character Development Comes Alive
Rather than stating character traits, let actions, dialogue, and choices reveal them organically. Show how a character reacts under pressure, their habits, and the way they interact with others. This dynamic approach breathes life into characters, making them more relatable and three-dimensional.
Engages the Senses
Show, Don't Tell encourages us to engage the reader's senses. Describe the sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and textures present in a scene. By appealing to the senses, we create a multi-dimensional experience that draws readers into the worlds we’ve crafted.
Maintains Narrative Flow
Showing is an active process that keeps the narrative flowing smoothly. Instead of halting the story to explain details, integrate information seamlessly through actions and observations. This not only maintains the pacing but also keeps readers engaged without unnecessary interruptions.
How to Utilize Show, Don't Tell:
Use Descriptive Language
Opt for descriptive language that paints a vivid picture. Instead of saying "it was a cold day," show the frost on windows, characters shivering, and their breath forming mist in the air. Let the details immerse readers in the atmosphere.
Highlight Actions and Reactions
Actions speak louder than words. Instead of stating a character is angry, show clenched fists, a raised voice, or storming out of a room. Actions and reactions reveal emotions and motives organically.
Dialogue with Purpose
Dialogue is a powerful tool for showing. Use it to convey emotions, relationships, and conflicts. Instead of explicitly stating feelings, let characters express themselves through dialogue, revealing nuances and tensions. It can be especially effective to have the character say one thing, but think another. In the example below, it shows not only the emotion (jealousy), but also the conflict causing it, and additional insight into the character herself.
Example: Instead of saying that Susan was jealous of Mary at work, you could have Susan talking to a co-worker.
“I should have gotten that opportunity, not her,” Susan complained, casting a glare towards Mary’s cubicle.
John nodded. “You’re more qualified, for sure. Are you going to say anything to management about the fact that you did most of the project?”
“No,” Mary lied. She’d already anonymously submitted the paperwork but he didn’t need to know that. “I just have to trust that they’ll see her for what she is, eventually.”
Much more dynamic than simply explaining to the reader that Mary got an opportunity Susan wanted, and that Susan was jealous or bitter about it.
Immerse Readers in Settings
When describing settings, engage readers' senses. Show the play of sunlight through leaves, the distant hum of a city, or the aromas of a bustling kitchen. Immerse readers in the environment by using descriptive details that evoke sensory experiences. Get specific, and use references that are meaningful to the characters.
Trust Readers to Interpret
Allow readers the space to interpret and connect the dots. Resist the urge to over-explain or spoon-feed information. Trust readers to infer emotions, relationships, and subtle details, fostering a more engaging and interactive reading experience. This is definitely one of my struggles, so I’m hyper-aware of it.
Exercise: A Show, Don't Tell Challenge
To practice this stuff, take a scene from your writing and identify areas where you've told rather than shown. Rewrite those sections using descriptive language, actions, and dialogue to bring the scene to life. Try to engage all senses and consider how this transformation enhances the reader's experience and understanding. If you’re feeling especially brave, or if you want some outside feedback, consider sharing both scenes with a friend, writing partner, or critique group to see which one they prefer (and why). They may have even more suggestions for elevating your work, and in my experience, it’s always fun to get that feedback so I can continuing growing and improving as a writer.
Show, Don't Tell is the transformative magic that turns written words into immersive worlds. By vividly describing, engaging the senses, and allowing actions and dialogue to convey meaning, we invite readers to step into the narrative rather than observe from a distance. This is something I still have to keep a close eye on in my own writing, so it’s a skill I continually practice. I don’t pretend to be an expert on the subject (or any of the other writing tips I post for that matter), but I’ve discovered lots of things and learned a ton from others along the way. Show, Don’t Tell was one of the first, and yet it’s still the one I probably need the most work on. Such is the journey.
Happy writing!
