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Noticing Newbies: November 21, 2018 Issue [#9241]




 This week: "Show, Don't Tell".... huh?
  Edited by: Sara♥Jean Author IconMail Icon
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Table of Contents

1. About this Newsletter
2. A Word from our Sponsor
3. Letter from the Editor
4. Editor's Picks
5. A Word from Writing.Com
6. Ask & Answer
7. Removal instructions

About This Newsletter

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Word from our sponsor

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Letter from the editor



"Show, Don't Tell".... huh?


A large part of writing is emotion. Without it, there is only a narrative or article. A script without actors, so to speak. Stories just don't work without it.

One of the most common review comments I see on the public review page is, "Show me how your character feels. Don't tell me." There are many variations of this statement, of course, but they all mean the same thing - instead of telling the reader how the character is feeling, show the reader so they can make their own interpretation. However, those words alone don't show anything at all. Some reviewers tell people to show, but don't demonstrate how, making them just as guilty of telling rather than showing what they mean.

In this newsletter, I am going to demonstrate how to show, instead of tell, how a character is feeling. I will give you a few examples, and then give you a little challenge within the "Ask & Answer" Section.

Anger

Telling: Bob storms out of the room in anger.
Showing: Bob storms out of the room with his fists clenched, red creeping up his neck all the way to his cheeks, and his eyes narrowed.

There is no denying, in either sentence, how Bob is feeling. The second sentence, however, shows the reactions to the emotion, rather than stating the emotion itself.

Happiness

Telling: Sally skipped down the street happily.
Showing: Sally skipped down the street with her arms waving easily at her sides, a brightness in her features, and a lighthearted whistle on her lips.

In this one, I exaggerated a little, perhaps showing a little too much description, but I did want another example. I will only torture you with one more.

Sadness

Telling: Sandra shook her head sadly as she looked at the ruined present.
Showing: Sandra shook her head, a small pout touching her lips and moisture rising into her eyes as she looked at the ruined present.


Admittedly, this is not a lot. The sentences are a little longer, yes, but the substance is much more than a greater length for your written words. Giving the reader something they can see in their mind is a powerful approach, and will allow the reader to more easily be drawn in and connect with the story. Just remember that it is also possible to go too far and add too much description. Just the right touch should get you what you need.


Editor's Picks

Check out these new authors! Do they show and not tell? How can you give them some advice if they need it?

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#2175110 by Not Available.


 Masterpiece (Newsletter ft.) Open in new Window. (E)
This may have been written for a contest, but it came from a very deep place in my heart.
#2174998 by S. E. Mabson Author IconMail Icon


 My Dad's Wedding Open in new Window. (E)
A daughter's efforts to process grief and gratitude at a father's wedding.
#2174760 by K. L. Brinton Author IconMail Icon


 I.Hawkins Open in new Window. (13+)
Sample of a much larger story; sea voyage and a girl looking for adventure.
#2174761 by She who Writes Author IconMail Icon


A Woman  Open in new Window. (E)
Simple but true
#2175076 by Kimala Author IconMail Icon

 
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Word from Writing.Com

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Ask & Answer

Change this sentence to show instead of tell, then submit it back to me: Susan threw the pot against the wall angrily.

I look forward to hearing from you!

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