Last Updated on April 4, 2023 by Nathaniel Tower
When I was a creative writing teacher, I thought about buying a stamp that said “show, don’t tell.” It would have made grading papers a lot faster. I would’ve worn out that stamp faster than anything else I’ve done before.
And that right there is a prime example of telling, not showing!
As a writer, you’ve likely heard the advice “show, don’t tell” countless times. But what does it mean, and how can you apply it to your writing? In short, showing means using descriptive language and vivid details to allow readers to experience a scene or emotion, while telling means simply stating a fact or feeling without providing any sensory details.
In this post, we’ll explore the concept of “show, don’t tell” in depth and provide tips and examples to help you master this crucial aspect of engaging writing.
By the end of this post, you’ll have a deeper understanding of what it means to “show, don’t tell,” and you’ll be equipped with the knowledge and tools to apply this concept to your own writing.
The Importance of Showing: Why “Show, Don’t Tell” Matters in Writing
When you “show” instead of “tell,” you allow your readers to experience a scene or emotion for themselves, rather than simply telling them what’s happening. This approach helps to create a more immersive reading experience, as readers can imagine the sights, sounds, and feelings of the scene for themselves. In contrast, “telling” can be dry and unengaging, leaving readers feeling disconnected from the story.
Examples of Writers Who Excel at Showing: What We Can Learn from Great Writing
Many great writers use “show, don’t tell” to great effect. For example, consider this passage from Toni Morrison’s novel Beloved:
“The bits of woman-matter and men-stuff were the same falling into the same heap and spilling over it, with a sound like rain. Dry rain. Bone rain. Nothing more soft or sensuous than a handful of dry rice poured from the sack into the pot.”
Morrison’s vivid descriptions allow readers to imagine the sound and texture of the falling objects, creating a visceral and memorable image. Other examples of writers who excel at showing include Ernest Hemingway, William Faulkner, and F. Scott Fitzgerald.
When to Show Instead of Tell: A Guide to Recognizing Opportunities for Descriptive Writing
There are many situations in which showing can be more effective than telling. For example, if you want to convey a character’s emotions, showing their physical reactions (such as trembling hands or tears in their eyes) can be more powerful than simply stating that they’re sad or angry. Similarly, if you want to describe a setting, showing the sights, sounds, and smells of the location can help to transport readers to that place and make them feel like they’re really there.
Tips for Mastering “Show, Don’t Tell”: How to Write Descriptions That Engage Your Readers
To master “show, don’t tell,” try these tips:
- Use sensory details to create a vivid picture: Describing the sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and feelings of a scene can help to bring it to life and make it more engaging for readers.
- Choose descriptive words carefully: Instead of relying on generic adjectives like “good” or “bad,” use specific, evocative words that help readers to visualize the scene or character.
- Use strong verbs: Instead of using adverbs to modify weak verbs, choose strong verbs that convey the action or emotion more effectively on their own.
- Show, then tell: In some cases, it may be appropriate to “tell” after you’ve “shown” the reader what’s happening. For example, you might show a character’s physical reactions to a situation, then have another character comment on their emotional state to reinforce what the reader has already inferred.
- Avoid over-explaining: Trust your readers to draw their own conclusions from your descriptions. Avoid spelling everything out and allow readers to make their own interpretations.
Editing and Revising Your Writing: How to Refine Your Descriptions for Maximum Impact
Once you’ve written your descriptions, it’s important to review and revise them to ensure they’re as effective as possible. Here are some editing tips to help refine your descriptions:
- Read your writing out loud: This can help you identify awkward phrasing, repetitive language, and other issues that may not be apparent when reading silently.
- Cut unnecessary words: Be ruthless in removing any words or phrases that don’t contribute to the overall effect of the description.
- Focus on the most important details: Identify the details that are most crucial to conveying the scene or emotion, and ensure these are given the most attention in your writing.
- Get feedback from others: Share your writing with trusted friends or writing partners to get their feedback on whether your descriptions are effective and engaging.’
- Kill your darlings: Just because you love a line doesn’t mean it belongs in your writing. Be willing to cut out the moments that aren’t adding to your overall story.
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the art of “show, don’t tell” and creating descriptions that captivate your readers. Remember to practice and experiment with different techniques to find what works best for you and your writing style.
How do you show instead of tell in your writing? Share your tips in the comments, and don’t forget to share this post on all your favorite channels.
