Guide on Demonstrating Instead of Describing
In the realm of creative writing, the difference between showing and telling can make or break a story. Georgio Konstandi, a renowned student, author, and blogger, emphasizes this crucial distinction, having successfully applied it in his thriller novel, NEA: Dawn of an Era, published last year.
To effectively show rather than tell, writers should focus on conveying experiences, emotions, and actions through vivid, sensory details and character behavior, rather than direct exposition. This approach immerses the reader in the story, making scenes more dynamic and engaging.
One technique for showing plot elements is using sensory details and specific imagery. Instead of saying "the room was messy," describe scattered clothes, a half-eaten sandwich on the desk, and an unmade bed. This paints a vivid picture that shows the mess without explicitly naming it.
Another method is keeping the narrative voice consistent and close to the character’s perspective. To convey a character's discomfort, showing their physical reactions or thoughts (like snapping a pencil or a tightened jaw) works better than just stating "he was nervous."
Showing through action and dialogue is also essential. Use characters' gestures, movements, and dialogue subtext to reveal emotions or plot points. For instance, a character avoiding eye contact or speaking in short sentences can show anxiety or secrecy.
Body language and pauses in dialogue can also be powerful tools. Instead of adverbs like "he said angrily," describe clenched fists, a raised voice, or slammed doors to convey anger.
To avoid relying on adverbs and adjectives, favour strong verbs and precise nouns. Replace "ran quickly" with "sprinted" or "rushed." Use dialogue tags sparingly; often, the dialogue itself or accompanying actions can show how something is said.
By combining these techniques—close narrative perspective, vivid sensory details, clear active verbs, expressive character actions, and minimal use of adverbs and adjectives—you create a richer, more immersive story that effectively shows rather than tells crucial plot elements.
Stephen King, the renowned novelist, once said, "The road to hell is paved with adverbs." This advice applies to the depiction of suffering in a scene as well. By avoiding telling, not showing, a writer can produce a more elegant and less heavy-to-read story.
The author's advice applies to any characteristic the author may wish to portray in their writing. Instead of using adjectives like "creepily" or "formidably," the author suggests depicting irrational decisions or actions to imply a character's psychopathy.
To stay updated on Georgio's latest news, giveaways, and appearances, follow him on Facebook, Goodreads, or his website and blog. The author has been interviewed by various literary blog sites, websites, and local newspapers, and attended Trent Academy Lit Fest 2017, leading four creative writing workshops.
The author advises letting the reader work out a character's characteristics by themselves, allowing the reader to engage more deeply with the story. By following these guidelines, writers can significantly improve the quality of their writing and provide a more engaging reading experience for their audience.
In the realm of education and self-development, learning effective techniques for creative writing, such as showing rather than telling, can unlock new opportunities for authors. This strategy, as demonstrated by Georgio Konstandi in his novel NEA: Dawn of an Era, results in stronger narratives, more immersive scenes, and ultimately, a more captivating reading experience for the audience.
