I can't even begin to tell you how helpful this is. I realize now that this is exactly what I've been doing and why my story is so unwieldy. Everything that was "off" and not working is because I'm doing this.
Oh...I get it. I notice this in some stories too. But would it be ok to "tease" in a character that's important and then expand on them in later chapters? Asking for a friend. 🙄😁
I'm watching this because I was trying to write a scene to show my protagonist's affinity with animals, so your horse scene is relevant. I'm realising that it's not much different to an info dump - it doesn't progress the story. I shall wait for the issue to come up in the natural flow of events, if indeed it's relevant to the story at all. Showing and telling need a lot of unpacking, I'm starting to think more in terms of describing activity vs static description. It may even be appropriate for passive voice to be used when a powerless character isn't aware of the actor.
I have found many of your e-mails and videos helpful. A former "writing teacher" insisted that I "show not tell" (ad nauseam)when writing my memoir. It put me off so much that I didn't work on it for several years. I am now back in the saddle.
With the cartoon font & infantile jingle I assume you are not including me in your possible viewer list. Stopped, commenting, leaving. Bye. Have a nice day.
I can't even begin to tell you how helpful this is. I realize now that this is exactly what I've been doing and why my story is so unwieldy. Everything that was "off" and not working is because I'm doing this.
I am so glad the video helped! I see my students make this mistake all the time, which is why I'm so passionate about this video!
So good ... Always puzzled over 'show don't tell' so beloved of creative writing seminars here in Norwich! Thank you so much.
Oh the dreaded "show, don't tell." Don't even get me started... 🤣
Hi Wendy, yes, your understanding of memoir writing is stellar and so useful. Thank you for your insights, and for sharing them with us "geniuses".
I can't help it! I love geeking out on this stuff 😅
Brilliant post as always Wendy! Such simplistic yet effective advice.😊
Thanks, Tim! Appreciate it 😁
Thank you! Telling is not this great boogey man of writing that some try to make it. The key is knowing how to effectively balance both.
Exactly! 😃
Oh...I get it. I notice this in some stories too. But would it be ok to "tease" in a character that's important and then expand on them in later chapters? Asking for a friend. 🙄😁
Thank you for sharing all you wisdom with the world. You have wonderful common sense writing tips!
Thanks, Carol 🥰
Another great video. This could explain why my memoir is way too long at the moment! Thanks, Wendy!
Glad the video helped! 😁
I haven't had breakfast and now I'm thinking about chocolate chip pancakes
I know! Those were my favorite as a kid. 😋
There's a good book on telling vs showing available on Amazon called "Tell, Don't Show" by Sandra Gerth.
Thanks! I bet I'd love that book. 😃
I'm watching this because I was trying to write a scene to show my protagonist's affinity with animals, so your horse scene is relevant. I'm realising that it's not much different to an info dump - it doesn't progress the story. I shall wait for the issue to come up in the natural flow of events, if indeed it's relevant to the story at all. Showing and telling need a lot of unpacking, I'm starting to think more in terms of describing activity vs static description. It may even be appropriate for passive voice to be used when a powerless character isn't aware of the actor.
I have found many of your e-mails and videos helpful. A former "writing teacher" insisted that I "show not tell" (ad nauseam)when writing my memoir. It put me off so much that I didn't work on it for several years. I am now back in the saddle.
So glad to hear that you are back at it! 🥰
8:06 apparently American school is a training ground for psychopaths
I love your videos!
Thanks, Lauran!!!
With the cartoon font & infantile jingle I assume you are not including me in your possible viewer list.
Stopped, commenting, leaving.
Bye. Have a nice day.