Show vs. Tell

You’ve probably read more than your fair share of articles on show vs. tell. I know I have. I read all I can about the subject because it is vital to your work to improve in this area continually.

Remember, when you’re writing, all the ways you can use show vs. tell. It’s more than choosing descriptions. Here are some things to keep in mind as you’re thinking of ways to employ show vs. tell:

Don’t Use Emotional Words

Using words such as tired, sad, and happy is considered lazy to describe a character’s emotion. It’s also boring. Instead, think about how they might best SHOW their emotion during a scene. This is the first thing to think about when employing show vs. tell.

Think about how charged the scene is. That will help you to choose the best way to describe that emotion. Is your character mildly annoyed? Maybe they sigh and roll their eyes. Are they extremely upset? Maybe they pound a fist on a table, then bury their face in their hands. Make the description fit the level of emotion.

Use Action to Convey Emotion

Show that your character is experiencing an emotion. Don’t just describe that emotion. Instead of being sad, they are possibly holding back sobs. But why?

They may suddenly sob upon realizing their partner of 25 years admitted to never loving them.

It’s much more powerful and clearly defines emotions.

Use Setting to Fit the Emotions in the Scene

Your character may be happy, but to pull your readers into the scene and make them feel they are part of the character’s emotions, describe their happiness well.

What are they doing rather than saying that tells you how happy they are?

What are they happy about, and how are they showing that?

What small thing is making them happy? Considering these questions, you can differentiate yourself from the overused ways of showing emotion.

They are smiling at their new car. Meh… boring.

As Mary smiled at the first car she’s ever owned, she thought of where she came from and how long it took her to get to where her life was finally hers. (Much more powerful a thought)

Create Lists When You’re Not Actively Writing

When you’re not working on your current manuscript, create some lists to help you when it comes time to describe emotions. By writing down all the ways you can describe a character’s range of emotions, you can save time by having a reference to go to when you need some good descriptions.

But remember, too, what your client is expressing emotion in the scene. Don’t pick the obvious thing, such as that new car. Focus on what it is that is personal to them that causes them to experience that emotion. What is it about them buying that car that makes them experience emotions? It is much more powerful to the scene and for your reader. Plus, it sets you apart from other writers.

I hope this post gives you some new ideas when you consider using show best, not tell, in your writing.

Happy Writing,

Gina