Show, Don't Tell!

Telling:  "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."

Telling: "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."

Telling:  "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."

Telling:  "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."