The power of ‘show, don’t tell’

 In Richard Beynon's blog, Writing Craft

Many writers struggle with the age-old advice to “show, don’t tell” in their work, often finding it challenging to strike the right balance between description and narrative. In both this blog and my next subscriber-only Monday Writing Motivation mailer, I’ll explore how this principle applies not just to fiction, but to real-world storytelling using a recent political event as a source of writerly wisdom.

Show, don’t tell writing tips

  • Use specific, concrete details to bring your scenes to life instead of relying on abstract statements.
  • Create scenarios that demonstrate your character’s traits rather than simply stating them.
  • Look for opportunities to turn exposition into action, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions.

Writing prompt

Choose a character from your current work-in-progress. Instead of describing their personality directly, write a short scene (250-300 words) that demonstrates their key traits through their actions, dialogue, and interactions with others.

Don’t tell me the moon is shining; show me the glint of light on broken glass. – Anton Chekhov

Want to dive deeper into the art of showing rather than telling? Sign up for our Monday Writing Motivation email for exclusive content, in-depth analysis, and actionable writing tips that will help you master this essential storytelling technique. We’ll explore how real-world events can inform our fiction writing and provide you with exercises to sharpen your skills in creating compelling, show-based narratives.

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