I want to be a GREAT writer, but I have trouble showing not telling. How can I learn to show when I write??

Question

I want to thank those three who took time to answer this question. All deserve BEST answer in my opinion. I need to pick only one, and it has been hard to do. I'll pick the one offering just a little more, but this is no easy choice. Thank you to all.

Answer 1

Writer, Jeff Colburn, says that one of the ways he makes sure he is showing and not telling is to imagine that he is explaining things to someone from Mars, who has not experienced anything on earth. Then he thinks in terms of the five senses. If the reader was in the scene what would the reader see, hear, smell, feel, taste.

I find that after you get a first draft completed, you can do a first edit by looking specifically for places where you are telling. Highlight them and then rewrite where you can.

You can also practise. Purposely create a paragraph or a scene which is mostly telling. Then go back and rewrite it by showing.

It's a common problem, even for experienced writers. As I'm sure you know, the best strategy is to keep writing. The more you write, the better you'll get. Good luck!

Answer 2

As a writer it is your job to introduce a reader to the world that exists only in your head. Think of it this way: You tell a friend about a hilarious night out on the town. Step back for a second and study how you would tell this story verbally. There are most likely many details you add to make the story more interesting and riveting. Do the same thing when you write. Think of the reader as a friend and tell them what your characters are doing in your imagination. Mention something about how the house smells or maybe a sound just outside the window. A good writer is always observing, watching his surroundings. Go to the mall, sit and people watch, see how real people act and then translate that into a character to make them more believable and life like. Use all the senses, if you're writing about a birthday party, write what you see, the smells, the sounds, the sights, etc.

In the end the only way to become a better writer is to write, you will improve as you become aware of all that is around you.

Thomas

Answer 3

I love writing!! And I really wanna help. So I apologize ahead of time for an extremely long response, lol.

My suggestion is to do a lot of prompts that focus on your weak points. Here's something that I think might help.

Write out a scene in the style you usually write, without trying to "show" it more than usual. Don't make it too messy, though. Not too many characters and no plot, just a simple scene. Finish it, then take a break so it's off of your mind. If you look back over it too quick, your mind will still be in writing mode and not reading mode.

Look back over it later and then re-write it. Don't edit, re-write. Keep the paper in front of you and then start writing the entire thing over again on another piece of paper (or in another word document). Look at it line by line, then close your eyes and imagine in happening. What are the characters doing? How are they reacting to each other? What's the feel of the room the scene takes place in? Try to touch on the broad things such as the feeling of the scene, and the specific things, such as things the characters do.

Once you SEE this happening in your mind, write it down. Even if it doesn't sound right just yet, try to get the picture onto the paper. Work with the original scene you wrote and add the imagery and feelings instead of straight facts. For example ...

TELLING: Martin talked too much on his date with Laura. He bored her to the point that she wanted to leave.
SHOWING: Laura strummed her fingers impatiently on the table. Her eyes wandered the restaurant and she let out an agitated sigh as her gaze landed on her watch. Would this guy ever shut up?

In the second one, even thought I didn't TELL you what was going on, you still get the idea! lol. If you look over your original scene and try to add things like that, or replace things that are too plain, it should help. Keep doing it until you're satisfied with your scene, and do as many scenes as are helpful. :)

I love writing and prompts and stuff like that, so if I can be of any more help or if you just wanna talk about writing, e-mail me! I love to talk about this stuff and I'm curious as to what kinda writing you're into. And I think it's cool when guys like to write! :)

Again, sorry that was so long, lol. Let me know if it helps!