Wednesday 8 May 2024

Showing too dramatically

We've all heard the advice that we should show and not tell. Put in some actions and use all five senses to let readers understand what is happening without having to spell it out to them.

When putting this advice into practice, just make sure that you aren't going overboard and turning your characters and descriptions into pantomime.

Someone doesn't have to shriek for you to know that they are scared.

Someone doesn't have to trip seven times in a row to show that they're clumsy.

Someone doesn't have to make huge hand gestures to demonstrate that they're dramatic.

You should absolutely show and not tell, but this doesn't mean that all your showing has to be big and exaggerated. Find the right, subtle descriptions that make your story come to life.

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