SHOW DON'T TELL

by Paul Garside
9th July 2014

Before I ask the question yes I do understand what it means, my question is can it be overdone. I have written my novel and rewritten and edited, over those tasks I have changed a lot of my "tells" into "shows" but I could go on and on, surly sometimes we need to just tell or the story won't move along. Or am I way off the mark here?

Regards Paul

Replies

Thanks Helen, good to know some people come back to see if the thread is developing or unravelling... lol.

Paul.

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Paul
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Paul Garside
10/07/2014

Thanks for your nice comment Paul and yes, in my world princesses do wear shining armour from time to time :-) Glad I could help a little bit x

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Helen Jones
10/07/2014

Don't be sorry Jonathan, I get it. I think sometimes when you read a critique you feel you should know more because the critic has a lot of knowledge. They are being honest and helpful but sometimes I feel the show don't tell "rule" gets a hammering, I needed to hear that it is subjective, see another word that gets a hammering lol. and you know it is nice when people take the time to write and have pointers that help, one of the reasons I like this site.

Again thanks. Regards Paul.

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Paul Garside
09/07/2014