As I wrote my first novel, I would often struggle and pause, thinking about the distinction between showing and telling. Too much telling, and there’s no life. To much showing, and the reader can get lost, or overwhelmed.
I still refer back to this article by novelist and short story writer Emma Darwin. What follows is a great primer on the difference between showing and telling. Showing will always be more compelling than telling, but each has its place and both are necessary for a complete story. Finding balance is the challenge.
It’s a recommended read. Also check out Emma’s “Tool Kit”, a comprehensive and generous resource for writers that represents everything that’s good about the Internet.
Showing and Telling: The Basics by Emma Darwin
