Showing Equals Reader Connection

Happy Monday to you!

Today, I want to discuss something that most of you have probably heard in the writing world, and this rule applies to all genres of fiction.

SHOW (don't tell)

Sound familiar? Does it bring questions to mind? Each time I've heard or read this, I've questioned it. What I needed was some clarification. After many years, I finally understood it. I'm going to do my best to make this statement a little easier for you to understand, too.

Why?

Why should we show and not tell when we write? Part of the answer to this question is in my title. But, to fully understand it, we need to go over the differences between showing and telling.

Showing

Showing is dramatization. Showing illustrates— it paints a picture for your readers and listeners. When you write by showing, it makes your readers feel a connection to your characters and your scenes. This is done by using sensory details, actions, and dialog so your readers can experience your story.

Telling

Telling is narration. Telling merely states facts. Telling lacks the emotion that is needed to make your readers feel your story. But don't cross telling completely off your list just yet. Telling does have it's place in our story.

Examples Please!

The best way to show you (pun intended) the differences between the two is to give you some writing examples. Writing examples became my ah-ha! moment. I hope it will be yours too.

Telling:

Emily was sad.

Showing:

Emily used her sleeve to wipe her tears as she hugged her stuffed koala, Koko tightly.

Telling:

It started to rain, and I felt cold.

Showing:

I felt that first drop. "Great," I said, "Cold AND rain?" I zipped up my coat and flipped up my hood.

And the Winner Is . . .

. . . Showing! Yes, it's much more fun to show than to tell once you understand the difference. If you're like me, after I finish reading a chapter, close my book and grab a Kleenex, I am happy (truly). My author has done their job. I felt that scene!

Second Place Goes To . . .

. . . Telling. Take note, I said second. That's because telling does have it's place in a story. Sometimes you need to tell just to keep the story moving. Telling can also help to transition between scenes. Or it can even be used to show the passage of time. If you sprinkle telling throughout and let showing lead the way, you will have an awesome manuscript.

Happy showing!