You know this meme:
Tell me you’re X without telling me you’re X.
It just occurred to me that this is another version of a good writing guideline: Show, don’t tell.
Good fiction exploits resonance and a certain amount of circuitousness. Don’t tell me your heroine is brave. Let the character demonstrate her bravery. Book readers want to meet the author halfway to achieve an immersive experience. They don’t want a telegram.
Of course, there are times to tell, not show. When dialogue is interesting and clever, let it be said in quotes. If the dialogue is merely informative and delivers zero bam-pop-pow, then it’s time to tell instead of show.
Telling:
He asked me if I wanted a coffee before the interview, and I declined.
Showing:
“Fancy a hot cup of java?”
“No offense, sir, but I make it my policy to never accept any beverage from a person of interest in a poisoning case.”
Filed under: writing, writing advice, writing tips, books, books by Robert Chazz Chute, how to write better fiction, Robert Chazz Chute, show don't tell, writer, writing, writing guidelines
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