Writing Tip: Show, Don't Tell

One time or another, most writers have heard the phrase “show, don’t tell”, but what exactly does that mean and how much truth is there to that statement?

"Show, don’t tell" refers to an author using details to describe things instead of simply explaining them in the text. It is as simple as saying“a chill ran up her spine as she pulled her jacket closer to her chest” instead of “it was cold outside”. As that example would have it seem, showing is always better than telling, right? Showing gives the readers a more vivid picture, as well as expressing the feelings and emotions of the character much better than simply telling would.

But are there times when telling is better than showing?

The short answer is yes. While there are many times when showing is far more appropriate than telling, there are occasions where telling will do the trick. It is nice to fill a story with clear scenes and intricate details, but there is such a thing as too much detail and that’s where "show, don’t tell" poses a problem.

In an instance where a story is moving slowly or working towards the meatier parts of the story, a lot of showing versus telling can weigh the story down and cause the readers to lose interest. No one wants to read three pages about a boy walking to the store, and that’s where an author’s artistic judgment comes into play. Often times it is difficult to take a step back and analyze your text, but if you feel a scene is too wordy or contains unnecessary information, it may be wise to go back and edit and remove some of the filler text.

On the other hand, if you feel portions of your story are lacking in detail, you may want to go back and deepen your scenes. Be wary that you are not adding in text simply for the sake of adding it. Do only what you think will add to the story whilst being careful you are not taking away from it.

"Show, don’t tell" is wonderful advice for young beginners who need more description in their writing, but for some seasoned writers, the advice may be a bit outdated. No matter the writer, this age old advice should be taken with a grain of salt. If you feel you are on either end of the showing versus telling continuum, take a step back and decide what (if anything) you should change about your style.

Special thanks to Fandango and aubs for editing!

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