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Writing Tips: How To Show, Not Tell

Have you ever done show and tell in elementary school? Well, in the world of storytelling, showing is more often than not more effective at getting an audience invested than telling. Not everyone seems to understand how important the term "show, don't tell" is. So, for this edition of Writing Tips, I'll go into detail about what it means to show instead of tell, as well as giving tips on how to do it effectively.

When people say "show, don't tell" when it comes to the story, what they mean is to paint a clear picture of what the characters would normally say. Oftentimes, in stories, characters will go on and on about things such as their backstory, how they got so smart/skilled, why they're in the setting and etc.. These long-winded speeches feel empty and superfluous because either they don't add anything to the story or they're just so boring to listen to. Be it showing a character's backstory in a flashback or having the character interact with long-time friends. You do a much better job at establishing the history of the character as well as getting audiences invested. Showing in a story also saves time that would've been spent on a scene that's just filler, such as a pointless cutaway gag or a boring conversation with the antagonist and their minions.

So how does one effectively show in a story instead of tell? Well, let's start by using Hansel and Gretel as an example.

"To kids get lost in the woods and are kidnapped by a witch. They throw the witch in the oven and run all the way home."

Yikes, that was bad 😬. First of all that's a really rushed summary of the story. Second of all, there's no mention of who these kids are, how they got lost or why the witch kidnapped them. Third, and most importantly, how would they know where home is if they were lost im the woods. Let's try again, but this time actually show instead of tell.

"Hansel and his sister Gretel were playing hide and seek just outside their house in the woods. When it was Hansel's turn to hide, he wandered deep into the forest to find a good hiding spot. Suddenly, he came across a clearing, and at the center of it was a large house made of gingerbread. Hansel walked toward the house to see that it was made entirely of candy. His mouth drooled at the glistening peppermint windows, the sparkling gumdrops on the walls, and the rich dark chocolate door. Unable to control himself, Hansel took a bite out of the door and chewed with joy.

Gretel looked all round for her brother before seeing the clearing. She walked towards it before gasping in shock as she saw a pale, boney hand gesture Hansel to come into the house. She picked up a large stick and ran towards the house. Gretel rammed her shoulder against the door and burst it open, leading her directly into the kitchen.

Gretel's face went pale as she gazed at the tall, pale and boney witch in a faded lavender dress and wearing a torn and dusty hat. The witch hisses at Gretel, bearing her razor sharp teeth and untrimmed nails at her. Gretel pointed her stick at the witch, only for the old hag to swat it away. The witch then twiddled her fingers at Gretel and levitated her up in the air.

Gretel looked around and saw Hansel sitting at the table with swirls in his eyes and drool coming out his mouth. Gretel clenched her fists and swung her left foot at the witch's hand. The witch screeched as she clutched her hand and, in turn, releasing Gretel. Gretel ran to her brother and slapped him across the face, snapping him out of his trace. Hansel looked around as he rubbed his head. Gretel then hugged him and grabbed him by the hand.

As they were about to run, the witch slammed her fist on the table and shrieked at them. Hansel looked at the lit oven and then back at Gretel. They both nodded before Hansel grabbed the stick and swung it at the witch. Gretel raced around the table and opened the oven. The witch took the stick from Hansel and snapped it in two before hissing at him. Gretel ran back to her brother and held his hand as they shoved the witch into the oven. Gretel slanmed it shut and Hansel placed a chair under the handle. The witch screamed and banged on the door as Hansel and Gretel ran for their lives out of the gingerbread house.

Gretel led Hansel through the woods as they tried finding their way home. After dashing through the trees, they found their house with their father stepping outside. They ran toward him and gave him a big hug with tears in their eyes. He smiled and hugged them back.

The End"

As you can see, an actual story was being told, how they got into witch's house was clearly explained and how they beat the with was given ample amout of detail. I also took the liberty of not adding dialogue to the story and instead let the actions of the characters speak for themselves. As such, my little rendition of Hansel and Gretel, while short, was far more engaging than the undercooked summary above it.

The best way to show, not tell, in a story is 3 simple words:👏Take👏your👏time. Rushing a story is never a good idea because you have no time to actually tell it. All stories should take as long as the writer needs in order to complete it. To conclude, whenever you're told "show, don't tell," don't waste yours or the audiences time with boring speeches from the characters. Show the audience who these characters are and what your story is about. Thank you so much for reading, and I'll see you soon ;)

[ellielikestowrite]

Tomorrow’s another Monday, a new week babes.

Make this week your bitch and reach for the moon xx.

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No obstacle is ever too big for us <3

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Softly, I fall to my knees. My shoulders lower and I let out a sob. He steps closer to me until he is standing in front of me. I have to look up. I know I do. But I just don’t want to face him. The betrayal is too hard for me to face.

He squats down a bit and uses his index finger under my chin to lift my head up. I see the damage. In his face, the bruised eye and the gash on his cheek. But also behind him. People running and the burning building that’s about to collapse. I hear police sirens from far away.

‘Why would you do this?’ I grab his wrist and push his arm away from my face.

He tilts his head.

‘For you my dear. Everything I do has always been for you.’

‘You ruined my life! How do you call that love?’

He sighs and for a second he looks around him.

‘There was never anything here left for us. This all happened because of us. You said it was time they all got what they deserved right?”

He’s right. And I could never hate him for it. He’s the love of my life and everything he did for me, I would have done in return.

‘Yes.’

He gets down on his knees. A kiss is planted on my forehead, leaving a burning sensation on my wound.

‘Let’s finish this then my love. We belong together in time and space and with nothing keeping us apart from each other.’

I look at his hands between us. He holds my weapon. He just took it from me when we were fighting inside my appartment. He has made my biggest dream come true, the world is burning but I got scared. How could I? I grab his hand and my weapon. I smile at him. Ultimate destruction. Maybe then we can finally be together.

[ellielikestowrite]

Oh to take care of yourself and love yourself.

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Hey, in case you need to hear this today:

For every 1 person that tells you how much they like your work, there's probably close to 10 people who are just quietly enjoying what you create.

Your art has worth.

Your writing has worth.

You'll never know just how many people your work has touched in some way.

[ellielikestowrite]

I squeeze his knee to alert him. We have a few meters left before he has to decide which way we are going.

‘Do you want me to suck your dick in the car?’

He laughs. ‘Right now? You know it.’

He swiftly drives into a different lane and parks the car in a dark parking spot. Then his hands start to unzip his pants.

[ellielikestowrite]

Brb experiencing romantic love xx

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Reminder to be so in love with yourself that you look at yourself in every mirror or window you pass by.

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Prologue, her pov

I run through the streets, looking for shelter.

It’s cold in Amsterdam, the rain is pouring and it has been dark outside for quite some time. Pretty normal considering it’s 11PM. The winter is approaching and I can feel it getting colder, and not in a positive way.

I follow the street lights as I run past all the closed buildings. When I take a look behind me I can’t see anybody anymore. But I know him. And I know he is very close. As always.

I come to a stop. There’s a very well known restaurant which looks closed. No guests, only one person cleaning the bar. I look around me. I truly don’t know how to get home from here right now, my mind is racing and I just need a safe place to hide. This is my only chance.

I open the door and quickly step inside. A young guy is in his own world while closing the restaurant. He doesn’t notice me. His dark features and the frown on his face compel me.

‘Hello,’

He abruptly stops and looks up.

‘Are you still open?’

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When you just want to lay in bed and cuddle with him because nothing matters :)

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‘I love you,’ I say looking at him.

He smiles and looks back at me.

‘It’s you and me and that’s my whole world,’ he says.

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I only see sunshine when I look at you

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I put my feet on the edge of the kitchen counter. Slowly I open my legs, revealing what’s underneath my skirt.

“You haven’t been wearing panties all this time,” he asks, taking a step closer to me.

“I was waiting for you to notice but you took too long. Now come here and grab my throat while you begin to fuck me.”

[ellielikestowrite]

20 Compelling Positive-Negative Trait Pairs

Here are 20 positive and negative trait pairs that can create compelling character dynamics in storytelling:

1. Bravery - Recklessness: A character is courageous in the face of danger but often takes unnecessary risks.

2. Intelligence - Arrogance: A character is exceptionally smart but looks down on others.

3. Compassion - Naivety: A character is deeply caring but easily deceived due to their trusting nature.

4. Determination - Stubbornness: A character is persistent in their goals but unwilling to adapt or compromise.

5. Charisma - Manipulativeness: A character is charming and persuasive but often uses these traits to exploit others.

6. Resourcefulness - Opportunism: A character is adept at finding solutions but is also quick to exploit situations for personal gain.

7. Loyalty - Blind Obedience: A character is fiercely loyal but follows orders without question, even when they're wrong.

8. Optimism - Denial: A character remains hopeful in difficult times but often ignores harsh realities.

9. Humor - Inappropriateness: A character lightens the mood with jokes but often crosses the line with their humor.

10. Generosity - Lack of Boundaries: A character is giving and selfless but often neglects their own needs and well-being.

11. Patience - Passivity: A character is calm and tolerant but sometimes fails to take action when needed.

12. Wisdom - Cynicism: A character has deep understanding and insight but is often pessimistic about the world.

13. Confidence - Overconfidence: A character believes in their abilities but sometimes underestimates challenges.

14. Honesty - Bluntness: A character is truthful and straightforward but often insensitive in their delivery.

15. Self-discipline - Rigidity: A character maintains strong control over their actions but is inflexible and resistant to change.

16. Adventurousness - Impulsiveness: A character loves exploring and trying new things but often acts without thinking.

17. Empathy - Overwhelm: A character deeply understands and feels others' emotions but can become overwhelmed by them.

18. Ambition - Ruthlessness: A character is driven to achieve great things but willing to do anything, even unethical, to succeed.

19. Resilience - Emotional Detachment: A character can endure hardships without breaking but often seems emotionally distant.

20. Strategic - Calculative: A character excels at planning and foresight but can be cold and overly pragmatic in their decisions.

These pairs create complex, multi-dimensional characters that can drive rich, dynamic storytelling.

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