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'm so glad I saw this video about what to show and what to tell. I've gotten barraged several times with "show don't tell," and the specifics got lost in the explanation. It was often a poor explanation. Then the person would finally say, "I don't like this. Consider doing this." Alright. I can do that (though I reserve the right to stet). Why didn't you just say you don't like that part to begin with? Let's work on the offending part, not on a principle that is confusing to both of us. I would write some explanation, get a "show don't tell," and I'd go blank because what they wanted me to show had nothing to do with the main plot I was trying to move through. My own yardstick is if I couldn't follow it or I was confused, or if I didn't know where it was leading-or if I cringed-I'd highlight it and go back and edit it later.
There are so many less-than-great editors and writing teachers out there! You might like this video too on bad writing tips I find everywhere: ua-cam.com/video/G83p6Y6UVUk/v-deo.html
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. 🙄😁
What a great video on show don't tell. I have found that deciding what to show and what to tell the most confusing part of writing. I am so looking forward to Wendy's new book on writing memoir.
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.
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.
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... 🤣
I'm so glad I saw this video about what to show and what to tell.
I've gotten barraged several times with "show don't tell," and the specifics got lost in the explanation.
It was often a poor explanation. Then the person would finally say, "I don't like this. Consider doing this."
Alright. I can do that (though I reserve the right to stet). Why didn't you just say you don't like that part to begin with? Let's work on the offending part, not on a principle that is confusing to both of us.
I would write some explanation, get a "show don't tell," and I'd go blank because what they wanted me to show had nothing to do with the main plot I was trying to move through.
My own yardstick is if I couldn't follow it or I was confused, or if I didn't know where it was leading-or if I cringed-I'd highlight it and go back and edit it later.
There are so many less-than-great editors and writing teachers out there! You might like this video too on bad writing tips I find everywhere: ua-cam.com/video/G83p6Y6UVUk/v-deo.html
Brilliant post as always Wendy! Such simplistic yet effective advice.😊
Thanks, Tim! Appreciate it 😁
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 😅
I haven't had breakfast and now I'm thinking about chocolate chip pancakes
I know! Those were my favorite as a kid. 😋
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! 😃
My head canon is that Mandy Jenkins was kicked in the face by Thunder.
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. 🙄😁
What a great video on show don't tell. I have found that deciding what to show and what to tell the most confusing part of writing. I am so looking forward to Wendy's new book on writing memoir.
Another great video. This could explain why my memoir is way too long at the moment! Thanks, Wendy!
Glad the video helped! 😁
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 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! 🥰
Thank you for sharing all you wisdom with the world. You have wonderful common sense writing tips!
Thanks, Carol 🥰
8:06 apparently American school is a training ground for psychopaths
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 love your videos!
Thanks, Lauran!!!
Is this about writing screenplays? I don't understand why you're talking about "scenes." Do you mean episodes in a narrative?
My channel is called Memoir Writing for Geniuses. I always talk about memoir. Scenes are one of the two main building blocks in novels and memoirs
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.