Tips for Deciding What to Show vs Tell When Writing Fiction

Sam Staley — Wed, 04 Apr 2018 14:27:07 GMT

Current Revision posted to Setting by Sam Staley on 4/4/2018 2:27:07 PM

Showing readers versus telling readers is one of the greatest tricks a writer can learn to use in fiction writing. It's not as simple as following a formula, says award-winning author Sam Staley (SR Staley). There is an artistry in effectively "showing" readers, which is largely driven by the story itself. To show a reader means to provide descriptive elements that bring in the various senses, whether that's sight, smell, sound, taste, or touch. For example, don't tell the reader that your main character is angry - show it by describing his flushed face or raised voice. The key is to evoke emotions in the reader by including these elements, ultimately bringing the scenes and characters to life, making the reader a part of the experience. There are times when telling works better, Staley says, such as explaining the backstory, transitioning between scenes, or when trying to speed up the pace of the story. Showing is a learned skill and only the writer can determine the right balance. Staley does recommend using trusted critique partners to help identify where you can do a better job of showing versus telling in your writing.

www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../Tips-for-Deciding-What-to-Show-vs-Tell-When-Writing-Fiction.mp4

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