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Writing Prompt #1

You've finally done it, you've created the device that can change the world, forever. However, the using the device comes at a terrible price...

[ink-is-my-addiction]

Show and Tell

"Telling" instead of "showing" can be a major issue, especially for beginner-level writers. So what exactly is "telling" and how to we avoid it?

Telling is boring! Telling is bland and uninteresting. Which would you rather read? "Tim really loved eggs for breakfast?" Or "The smell of eggs hit Tim's nose, and he inhaled deeply, breathing in the rich aroma of delicious breakfast. His mouth watered at the very thought of the eggs."

The second sentence provides us more details, and gives sensory imagery, to boot. It shows us that Tim really likes eggs, instead of simply stating the fact. Both sentences convey the same idea, one is just more interesting to read than the other.

To avoid this, read what you wrote and ask yourself, "Do I sound like I'm delivering a school project? Am I just stating facts?" If so, you're probably telling.

"Showing" can create powerful, memorable imagery and ideas in a reader's head, and is especially useful during tense or emotional moments in your writing. Of course, it's important to remember not to go into too much detail; describing the sky for five paragraphs is incredibly boring to read. No one wants to hear about how much Tim loves eggs for much longer than two or three sentences.

Finally, it's important to note that it's fine to have characters who "tell" rather than "show." For example, there could be a character who only states obvious facts about their situations, this is fine, as long as your writing is showing.

Happy writing! -Lizzie

[ink-is-my-addiction]

Hi everyone! Lizzie here! I just started this blog, but I hope I can brong you some great content soon! See ya soon!

-Lizzie