Show, Don't Tell: How to write vivid descriptions, handle backstory, and describe your characters’ emotions (Writers’ Guide Series)

I suppose the clearest difference between telling and showing in fiction is, generally, the difference between a purely informational statement and one that attempts to add a human aspect to its repertoire and, in doing so, includes the reader either emotionally or physically.

1. Description. You can tell readers how your character feels. This isn’t always going to be a good choice, since you’ll gain more oomph by showing readers what’s happening. But sometimes a simple summary will allow you to return to the action faster. 2. Internal narrative/monologue. Most reactions will contain at least some aspect of this option, sin

It’s always the fine details that bring a story to life, like someone’s scent, or the way a book feels in your hand. Think about the way people tell children stories, and you’re getting close to the spirit of a good tale. It’s so much easier to see Sebastian in your mind’s eye if you know that he was golden, for instance. There is a story about a C

The Gatsby scene quoted above (Fitzgerald’s version) shows us how people react to Gatsby, and shows us effectively. But the writer also tells us that the three Mr. Mumbles leaned forward “eagerly,” that one girl spoke with enthusiasm, that a man nodded “in affirmation.” Granted, stylistic conventions have changed since 1925, but even so, the tellin