"Show, Don't Tell" - Unpacking Common Writing Advice

[@susiehallstrom944]

Thanks for explaining the balance between “show” and “tell”. I can see how either can be overused.

[@AnnaAnna-uc2ff]

thanks

[@LewisRobertsWrites]

Some really solid advice here! That bit of feedback was always a little murky to me.

[@juliankemmink]

incredibly useful insights! Thank you a lot!

[@c.sloanlewis]

@@juliankemmink so glad to hear that!!

[@jdkramhoft]

take a shot every time she looks to the side

[@gothicwriter9897]

Nice video. Suggestion. When you explain something using a piece of text, may I suggest you show the text on screen, as if typed on paper, as well as reading it out. I would then pause to see the text and punctuation, and I would learn it better. As a Visual learner rather than Audio learner, I like to see things. There are 3 types of learner - Visual, Audio and Kinaesthetic (someone who needs to do things practically) - I used to be a teacher. Please carry on teaching us.

[@c.sloanlewis]

That is great feedback!! I originally had intended it but something messed up in my video when I edited it. Now that I know it is an important part to people, I will be sure to go back and include those from now on. Thank you so much for this comment, it really helps me grow!

[@SummerDream3r]

I've never liked the line "show, don't tell." Imagine how long books would be if it were all showing. Instead 300+ page novels, they would be 1000+ pages, showing everything that's mundane and non-dramatic. Pacing would slow to a grind, and the book would be super boring. Telling and showing have both their place in fiction. "Show, don't tell" is more of a screenwriter's saying. I prefer "Sometimes show, sometimes tell. Learn when to apply each."

[@c.sloanlewis]

You're absolutely right. No one would want to read a book if we just showed all the time. I love the way you put it, if only we could get everyone on board with that phrasing!

[@ng67432]

What qualifies you to do book "coaching"?

[@c.sloanlewis]

Great question! I have a Master's in English Education, almost ten years of teaching writing, and I am currently getting a certification in book coaching. Plus, there's all my years studying the craft and writing pieces of my own.