“Show, don’t tell” is one of the most common axioms in writing these days. Whilst it’s useful to question whether you are engaging in ‘telling’ when you could more effectively ‘show’, it’s also important not to end up tying yourself into knots trying to show what would be better told.
Rather than elaborate on the point myself, I just want to share a few great links from people who have thought it through much more deeply than I have:
- When To Tell Instead of Show?, Mary Kole?
- A Few Things Writers Can Learn from Harry Potter?, Cheryl Klein ?(relevant bit is about halfway down)
- Show Don’t Tell, And Other Myths?, Mark Charan Newton?
- A tale of Psychopathic Chocolate Bunnies™?, Vincent Holland-Keen
There, that should keep you busy for a moment or two.
Thanks to Vince for the links!
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