Sometimes, I feel like I'm constantly telling.
We're always taught to show, not tell. And, having been aself-proclaimed writer for approximately one year now, as well as loving the art my entire life... I should probably have learned my lesson by now.
But of course, I haven't.
Otherwise, I wouldn't be telling you about it.
One way to figure out if I'm starting to tell more than show, is to look for simple verbs that are alone. Verbs like 'smiled' or 'scowled'. True, these words show to a certain degree, but they could be expanded upon. There are many different types of smiles.
How did he/she smile? Was his face stern at first, yet as the moment sunk in did his lips gently curl into a grin? Or did her weary eyes meet yours as she shook her head, a pleading smile lifting the corners of her mouth?
See, these are the things I have so much trouble with.
And when you've used 'smiled' alone, exactly 156 times throughout your MS (yeah, that would be me)... it really becomes a telling word.
Another word that usually means you're telling is when you see 'and then'. Luckily, 'and then' is a phrase I can usually avoid, but I thought I'd bring it up since it's the title of the post.
Do you guys find yourself telling a lot? Or, at least, do you think you tell a lot?
**Times when telling is better than showing: EXAMPLE: If you've got a giant cut on your arm, and you're bleeding more than just a little bit, I'd much rather you call and tell me about it from the hospital instead of showing me. (I get queasy around blood.)
Have a wonderful day!
--Jess
 |
| There might be times when telling is better than showing... ** |
We're always taught to show, not tell. And, having been a
But of course, I haven't.
Otherwise, I wouldn't be telling you about it.
One way to figure out if I'm starting to tell more than show, is to look for simple verbs that are alone. Verbs like 'smiled' or 'scowled'. True, these words show to a certain degree, but they could be expanded upon. There are many different types of smiles.
How did he/she smile? Was his face stern at first, yet as the moment sunk in did his lips gently curl into a grin? Or did her weary eyes meet yours as she shook her head, a pleading smile lifting the corners of her mouth?
See, these are the things I have so much trouble with.
And when you've used 'smiled' alone, exactly 156 times throughout your MS (yeah, that would be me)... it really becomes a telling word.
Another word that usually means you're telling is when you see 'and then'. Luckily, 'and then' is a phrase I can usually avoid, but I thought I'd bring it up since it's the title of the post.
Do you guys find yourself telling a lot? Or, at least, do you think you tell a lot?
**Times when telling is better than showing: EXAMPLE: If you've got a giant cut on your arm, and you're bleeding more than just a little bit, I'd much rather you call and tell me about it from the hospital instead of showing me. (I get queasy around blood.)
Have a wonderful day!
--Jess
