Show don’t tell. Show don’t tell. Show don’t tell. When I was a teaching assistant at the University of Pittsburgh from 2004 to 2006 I was constantly telling my writing students to “show don’t tell”. What does “show don’t tell” mean?
It means presenting a short story in a way so that the reader sees in his or her mind what is going on in the story instead of the writer “explaining” what is going on.
Seeing something is far more immediate than being told about something. But just how does a writer write in such a way that the reader can see the story in his or her mind?
The only way for a writer to make a story more visual is to describe actions and things. A reader can see an action. A reader can see a thing. But the writer must not write about any action or thing. The writer must write about those actions and those things that are invested with meaning.
In this way, the flash fiction, short short, very short story and micro fiction writer must spend less time writing about thoughts and emotions and more time writing about meaningful actions and things.
This is why a “show don’t tell” story will always be tighter than a story that explains.
The ebook that is available here at the Pittsburgh Flash Fiction Gazette is a perfect example of “show don’t tell” fiction. Just go to the sidebar on the right and click on the link to download your copy of Compressionism: The Pittsburgh Stories.
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Do You Have A Distinctive Writing Style?
Hello, my brother and sister bloggers and writers. It’s like summer here in Pittsburgh. Well, the Old Soldier won’t have any beer until his ghostwriting earnings are deposited in his PayPal account some time next week. But enough with the sad stories. The Old Soldier still has plenty of chilli to keep him going. He’ll be making another batch in the next few days and this time he’s really going to load up with the garlic and jalapeno peppers.
How’s your day going? Going to do any blogging or writing? Going to work on a very short story? Some micro-fiction? A little flash fiction? Mini fiction? Postcard fiction? A short short? Guy Hogan is my name and flash fiction is my game…
Every writer should be aware of his or her own writing style. Why? The more aware you are of your style the better you’ll be able to make it distinctive. Why should you be concerned with how distinctive your style is? Your style is your literary signature. It helps to separate you from other writers in your genre. It helps your work to stand out.
Do you like long or short sentences? Do you use absolutely concrete language or do you like the flourish of a well placed metaphor? Do your stories end with finality or are they left open to interpretation?
Just remember that authentic style is never imposed on a story. Authentic style is the essence of the story. More importantly, it’s also the essence of the writer.
Click here if you would like to download my ebook of flash fiction short stories.
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