"Show, Don't Tell." It's a phrase that has been passed down through the generations, whispered in hushed tones in writing workshops, and scribbled in the margins of countless manuscripts. But what does it mean? And why does it sound like a riddle wrapped in an enigma, sprinkled with a dash of mystery?
The art of showing instead of telling
Telling: The Spoon-Feeding of Information
Telling is like spoon-feeding your readers mashed peas. It's bland, it's straightforward, and it leaves no room for imagination. "Jim was tall." Great, Jim's tall. Now what? It's as exciting as watching paint dry.
Showing: Engaging the Senses
Showing, on the other hand, is like serving a gourmet meal, complete with all the flavors, textures, and aromas. It's "Jim's girlfriend craned her neck to look up at him." Ah, now we're talking! We can see it, feel it, and almost hear the creaking of her neck.
Tools of the trade...
Dialogue: Let Them Talk
Dialogue is like a dance. It's the characters waltzing across the page, revealing their thoughts, emotions, and intentions through their words and actions. It's not "you were nearly killed in that wreck," but rather "what are you going to do about Bill? He feels terrible."
Engaging the Senses: Taste, Smell, Touch
Engaging the senses is like painting a vivid picture. It's not just seeing and hearing; it's tasting the sour lemon, smelling the ocean breeze, feeling the chill of a smooth stone. It's the goose flesh, the rough wood, the carpet on the cheek. It's life in words.
Active Voice: Be Bold, Be Direct
Active voice is like a strong cup of coffee. It's bold, direct, and wakes you up. It's not "the party was planned by Jill," but "Jill planned the party." It's the difference between a limp handshake and a firm grip.
When Telling is Acceptable: The Exceptions
Sometimes, telling is not only acceptable but preferable. It's like taking a shortcut when you're late for a meeting. If your character needs to travel from one place to another, and nothing happens on the way, just tell it. Don't bore us with the details of packing, dressing, and going through airport security. We've all been there, and we don't need to relive it.
The masters of "showing"
From Charles Frazier's "Cold Mountain" to Arthur Conan Doyle's "The Sign of Four" and Toni Morrison's "Beloved," the masters of showing create novels that are preferred over their movie adaptations. They trigger the imagination, allowing readers to create their own visuals, far more imaginative than anything Hollywood can put on the screen.
The epiphany
"Show, Don't Tell" is not just a rule; it's an art. It's the magic that turns words into worlds, characters into real people, and stories into experiences. It's what makes writing a joy to read and a pleasure to write.
So, dear reader, next time you find yourself telling, remember to show. Let your characters speak, engage the senses, be bold and direct, and know when to tell. For in the world of writing, showing is not just telling; it's living.
And as Jerry B. Jenkins wisely said, "it's worth the effort to master the art of showing rather than telling." Now go forth and show the world what you've got!
Disclaimer:
No writers were harmed in the making of this post. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental. Side effects may include sudden bursts of creativity, a newfound love for writing, and an insatiable desire to read more.