Show Don't Tell

Show Don’t Tell

When we
first started writing we really were not aware of how to show the reader rather
than tell the reader. It’s a lot easier just to say someone is scared rather
than describe how and why they are scared. For instance, in past times we may
have said:

Herth pushed open the door and stepped into the dark room. A cold shiver prickled his skin and he swallowed his growing fear. That isn’t entirely bad and has some elements of showing, but it
could use more scene setting.

Now if you said: Herth eased the door open, hinges creaking as it swung. Darkness met his eyes and a whistling breeze chilled his skin. He swallowed, gritted his teeth and stepped inside.

In the second example we never actually say Herth is scared, but you get the feeling that he is, because there are more cues to provoke the reader’s emotions. Subconsciously we all associate creaking hinges, whistling winds and darkness with fear. The gritting of his teeth is an action we associate with perseverance. This example also encourages the reader to ‘feel rather than see’ what the character is experiencing.

First time
writers tend to fall into the habit of telling, because it is much easier than
showing. But this is where most also fall down. If you take away the readers
chance to properly engross themselves in your characters and the world around
them, then effectively you’re removing the reader from your story.