Show, Don’t TellHow to write like a professional writer

the writer needs to show, not tell the reader aboutInterestingTo create an Story,

the writer needs to show, not tell the reader aboutInterestingTo create an Story,

people

the writer needs to show, not tell the reader aboutInterestingTo create an Story,

people places

the writer needs to show, not tell the reader aboutInterestingTo create an Story,

people places things

Showing creates mental pictures in the reader’s mind.

When readers get a clear picture, they are more engagedin the writer’s story.

It was an unusual cat. Tell

With yellow eyes glowing red, long, black fur that stood on end, a mouth full of sharp pointed teeth that emitted a yowl like a tiger, I knew that the small animal before me was no ordinary cat.

Show

To develop your story, begin by thinking about the main character.

You want to show the reader what that character is like.

�Writers reveal their characters through means.

�Writers reveal their characters through means.

�What they say…

�What they think…

�What they do….

Description… �What the othercharacters sayabout them..

�How othercharacters

react to them…

More examples to illustrate the difference between ‘telling’ and ‘showing’ how a character feels.

1Joey was afraid. There was a storm. The lights went out.

Tell

1Joey was afraid. There was a storm. The lights went out.

The lights suddenly went out. In the darkness, the wind and rain grew louder and seemed closer… Joey sat still, his heart beating fast. It made a ‘thump, thump, thump’ noise in his chest.

Stuart Mead, ‘A Knock at the Door

Tell Show

Alvin’s mother was angry. She hit Alvin. It was very painful.

Tell2

Alvin’s mother was angry. She hit Alvin. It was very painful.

She had moved so quickly, her hand going back and across in one movement, slapping his left cheek with a crack that silenced the room. The pain hung hot on his cheek.

Adrian Tilley, ‘Victim’

Tell Show2

Bill was frightened. He thought someone was behind him.

Tell3

Bill was frightened. He thought someone was behind him.

It seemed a shadow had fallen over him. But there was no shadow. His heart had given a great jump up into his throat and was choking him. Then his blood slowly chilled and he felt the sweat of his shirt cold against his flesh.

Jack London, ‘All Gold Canyon’

Tell Show3

The pizza was delicious. Write a Show paragraph.

Tell Show

Mushrooms and pepperoni sausage formed thick layers on top of one another while the white mozzarella cheese bubbled over the bright red tomato sauce. Each time I took a bite I planned it so that I got a taste of every luscious ingredient. My taste buds celebrated every single time!

“Oooh, so good!”

Mrs. R marched into the classroom with a stormy look on her face. She waved her arms and shouted, “You won’t believe what just happened!” Someone had just run into her car in the parking lot.

Rewrite these Sentences

She was so sad when she lost her puppy. The garden was beautiful.

It was a stormy night. The cake was delicious. It was an exciting day.

t o s h o w , n o t t e l l .