Show Not Tell

A good writer can convey many details by inferring them rather than stating them directly- in other words showing not telling.

Each week you will be practising this skill. Here are some examples.

BEFORE (TELLING): "You are such a jerk," he said angrily.

First off, you should never modify "said" with an adverb. Second, keep adverb use to a minimum. It's far better to SHOW he was angry:

AFTER (SHOWING): "You are such a jerk." Dan slammed the phone book shut and threw it at the couch. He got to his feet, moving so fast his chair skidded against the floor and dented the wall.

Do you see the details in the second example? Nowhere did I use the word "angrily" or even "angry." I didn't have to say he was mad. It's pretty clear. In fact, I didn't even have to say he said the words. By showing with his actions right after his dialogue, you know it's him talking.

http://foremostpress.com/authors/articles/show_not_tell.html (slightly revised)

Week It was cold at the beach

http://s0.geograph.org.uk/photos/13/82/138243_4ff32e10.jpg

Brainstorm as many different ideas as you can that show that it was cold at the beach.

Try to write a paragraph using these ideas that shows it was cold at the beach, without using the words beach or cold (don't just switch the word cold to another adjective such as freezing as that is still just telling. - Try to show that you are cold. Think about how you are feeling/what you are doing/what you see/hear/feel to help show this.

Week She/He was upset.

He/She ran and twisted her/his ankleTry to write a paragraph of 3-4 sentences that shows someone is upset, without using the words upset or sad (or any other similar adjective that is still just telling. - Try to show that they are upset. Think about what they are doing/what body movements that would show that they are upset. i.e. eyes, feet, lips, hands etc.