Connie's Corner

Searching...

I have been googling and searching the web this morning, trying to find information that will sink into my dense brain clarifying showing vs. telling. Following are some of the notes I jotted down as I read:

Show through action, emotion, sensory detail. Make your reader "see" what is happening...hear it...feel it...smell it...taste it.

Use specific details...not broad categories...for description.

Naming an emotion (i.e. she was angry) is LAZY WRITING. (I need this capitalized...sorry to shout.)

Use physical action, facial expression, and good, natural dialogue. Create a vivid picture this way.

Try to prove your character is who you say she is. Have her "act out" your description of her.

When all else fails, stop and try to picture what is going on in your story, one scene at a time. Use vibrant words to convey this to your reader.

All of the above happens to be old news to me. Applying it to my stories is another matter. I am going to go through my class lessons, pick one scene, and rewrite. Editing just won't do the job at this point. Wish me luck...

until next time...c