Show+Don't+Tell

 Show Don't Tell  is another useful idea to encompass in your writing! To understand what it is, the definition is provided for you:

Show and Tell- Using action, dialogue, and the five senses to tell a story.

Imagine yourself in a darkened movie theater. All of a sudden the screen goes black and you can hear only the sound track—the dialogue and a few sound effects. How frustrated you’d be! If the technician didn’t get the projector fixed fast, you’d get bored and leave. The same is true for books. If you fail to make the reader see your story, she’ll lose interest, put down the book, and never pick it up again. If that reader happens to be the editor to whom you’ve submitted your manuscript, then you’ve lost a sale.

When telling a story, one should not just "tell" it. A good writer shows the story.

"Telling" means that the author has not involved the reader. While he or she has given them information, it is in a dull and lifeless manner because there is no action, emotion, and sensory detail—all the vital ingredients that make the reader believe in your story. Also provide physical action, facial expression, and dialogue. "Showing" embellishes the events of your plot. The reader experiences the story as if he or she’s right there, participating in the story. In their imagination, they become the character. The fictional character becomes a real person. We want to turn the page and find out what happens to Jack.

How does one transform their characters to real people?

To illustrate this common mistake, suppose your hero is a gambler. But never once during the course of the book do we see him pick up a deck of cards. We never hear him wager any money. We’re expected to believe this character trait on faith. This type of "telling" can earn you a fast rejection because it is with out proof. One should ask themselves: What can I show this character doing so that his essence, or function, in the story is clear to the reader?

Through character growth. If the character has revelation or a change in personality in the final scene, but no one knew it. That is telling. Need examples and events with framework of story to "show" his gradual transformation.

Some helpful hints:

.Use physical action, facial expression, and dialogue .Use specific details. .Stimulate the reader's imagination so she can project herself into the scene and become a part of it. .Name an emotion, such as Jack was afraid. It's lazy writing. "show" the emotion through action, the five senses, and dialogue. .Write like it’s playing on a movie screen. .Remember that all good books touch the reader on an emotional level. .Be sure to give proof to the reader (ie. Give proof of how this character acts and reacts).