Show Don't Tell

The first part of a 5 part series on Show Not Tell

In my critiques I use the symbol TnS to indicate an instance where the author is telling the reader about something instead of showing.

As a writer, how many times have you heard or given this advice—likely more times than you’d care to remember—but treasure the advice because not only is it easy to miss opportunities to “show,” it will enhance your story 100-fold. Here’s some tips to keep in mind while planning or writing your next piece:

1. Use precise description by picturing every detail of the scene in your mind. If your character is using a hand gesture, picture it, or better yet, imitate it yourself—over and over until you can describe it succinctly.

e.g./ Mavis looked at each page of the diary; it had to be in here somewhere.

Mavis wet her fingertip and flipped page by page through the diary . . .

NB: don’t describe peripheral objects, if the object doesn’t play a role or have a place in your story—omit it!