How to SHOW not TELL in your writing (one simple trick for better prose)

Summary

In this 'Writer Life Wednesdays' episode, Abby discusses the 'show, don't tell' writing technique, focusing on how to depict complex character emotions like internal conflict, desires, and fears. She explains the importance of not over-explaining a character's flaws and instead suggests showing them through actions and dialogue. Abby provides examples from her book 'The Otherworld' to illustrate the difference between telling and showing, emphasizing the need for balance to maintain reader curiosity and engagement.

Takeaways

• 📖 Show, don't tell: This rule emphasizes showing actions or emotions rather than explicitly stating them to engage readers more deeply.
• 😴 Example of telling vs. showing: Instead of saying 'she was tired,' you would show it with 'she yawned, her eyelids heavy.'
• ❓ Internal conflict is harder to show: When dealing with complex emotions, flaws, and fears, it's tricky to apply the 'show, don't tell' rule.
• 💡 Characters don't always understand their own flaws: Often, they aren't fully aware of their fears or misbeliefs, and this drives their transformative journey.
• 🔍 Revealing internal conflict requires balance: Show enough for readers to care but leave room for mystery and curiosity to keep them engaged.
• 👥 Use dialogue and action: Internal conflicts can be revealed through interactions and actions, like a character's conversations with others or their behavior.
• 🧠 Let the reader interpret: Instead of explaining a character’s emotions, actions should allow readers to figure out what’s happening.
• ✍️ When to tell: It's okay to tell when characters are voicing their opinions or beliefs, but not when the author is editorializing.
• 🤔 Editorializing through deep POV is acceptable: When characters express their personal conclusions and flawed beliefs, this type of telling is appropriate.
• 📅 Elevate your writing style: The author promotes an upcoming live training focused on improving prose, deep point of view, and making your unique voice shine.

Q & A

What is the main focus of 'Writer Life Wednesdays'?

The main focus of 'Writer Life Wednesdays' is to help writers make their stories matter and achieve their author dreams by providing guidance and tips on writing.

What does the 'show, don't tell' rule usually pertain to in writing?

The 'show, don't tell' rule usually pertains to how writers convey emotions and feelings, encouraging them to show these through actions rather than directly telling the reader what is happening.

How does the script differentiate between showing and telling in the context of character emotions?

The script differentiates between showing and telling by providing examples such as 'she was tired' versus 'she yawned, her eyelids heavy', where the latter allows the reader to interpret the character's state through action.

What are the three key ingredients of a conflicted character according to the script?

The three key ingredients of a conflicted character are a desire, a fear, and a misbelief or fatal flaw.

Why is it important for characters to be unaware of their own misbeliefs and fatal flaws?

Characters being unaware of their own misbeliefs and fatal flaws is important because it allows for a transformative journey, which is essential for character growth and engaging the reader.

How can writers effectively show a character's internal conflict without making it feel forced or cheesy?

Writers can effectively show a character's internal conflict by not making the character overly aware of their flaws, but rather by revealing just enough through actions, dialogue, and the character's reactions to situations.

What is the Golden Rule of showing not telling as mentioned in the script?

The Golden Rule of showing not telling is that telling explains what we're looking at, while showing allows us to interpret what we're looking at and engage with the story on an emotional level.

How does the script suggest balancing the revelation of a character's internal struggles to maintain mystery and intrigue?

The script suggests showing just enough of a character's internal struggles to let readers grasp what the character is wrestling with, but not so much that there's no room for mystery or intrigue.

What is the difference between telling and showing internal conflict as explained in the script?

The difference is that showing involves using action, dialogue, and character reactions to convey internal conflict, while telling involves directly stating the character's feelings or issues, which can come across as dry and unengaging.

When is it acceptable to tell instead of show in writing, according to the script?

It is acceptable to tell instead of show when a character is voicing their beliefs, opinions, or letting their current mood influence their perspective, as this allows for deep point of view and character-driven storytelling.

What is the purpose of the live training mentioned in the script?

The purpose of the live training is to help writers elevate their writing style, find their unique voice, and make their prose shine by exploring fundamental writing principles and techniques.