Show, Don't Tell

"Show, don't tell" is a fundamental principle in narrative writing that encourages authors to use descriptive language and vivid imagery to evoke emotions and convey information, rather than explicitly stating it.

Instead of telling the reader a character is nervous: "Samantha was nervous about her presentation."

Showing: "Samantha's hands trembled as she smoothed out her notes, her eyes darting around the room, searching for a friendly face in the sea of expectant stares. Each breath felt shallow, her heart pounding like a drum against her ribcage."

Instead of telling the reader a character is sad: "Jake felt sad when he heard the news."

Showing: "A heavy weight settled in Jake's chest, dragging his shoulders down as he absorbed the news. His eyes glistened with unshed tears, and he bit his lip, struggling to keep his composure, his throat tight with the unspoken ache of loss."

Instead of telling the reader it's a hot summer day: "It was a hot summer day."

Showing: "The sun beat down mercilessly, baking the asphalt until waves of heat rippled off the pavement. Mirages danced on the horizon, and even the leaves seemed to wilt under the oppressive glare of the sun."

Instead of telling the reader a place is eerie: "The abandoned house was eerie."

Showing: "The abandoned house loomed at the end of the street like a forgotten sentinel of time. Its windows, shattered and boarded up, cast long, ominous shadows that seemed to reach out like ghostly fingers. The wind whispered through the overgrown weeds, adding an eerie soundtrack to the desolate scene."

Sarah's breath came in shallow gasps, her fingers trembling as she stood before the looming silhouette of the abandoned house. The peeling paint on its weathered facade seemed to mock her, and the broken windows stared back like hollow eyes, sending shivers down her spine. Each creak of the old porch boards echoed in her ears, matching the erratic rhythm of her pounding heart. She hugged herself tightly, her skin prickling with the anticipation of the unknown horrors that lurked within.