Whether you are new to writing or have been around the block a few times, you've probably heard the writers' mantra: "Show, don't tell." Unfortunately, most how-to books don't do a very good job of explaining exactly how to go about showing rather than telling.
Holly Lisle recently created a terrific little video demonstrating the "show, don't tell" maxim in action. She walks viewers through the process using before-and-after examples to improve a sample piece of writing. If you enjoy this video, check out her Writer Crash Test site for more videos about writing.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi Kris,
Chance brought me to your website and this article. How lucky I was. I watched the vid, and it was a real lightbulb moment for me. Finally, I *really* understand what ‘show don’t tell’ means. It’s transformed my scriptwriting.
I’ve since become a big fan of Holly. She’s writing for novelists, but she has a lot to offer screenwriters too.
Thank you (you’re both invited when I collect my Oscar :0))
Hi Elaine,
Thanks so much for your comments! I’m a huge fan of Holly. She does so much for writers. If you haven’t taken her “How To Think Sideways” course yet, definitely check it out. It’s geared toward novelists, but the lessons about characters, plot, query letters, etc, translate to screenwriting as well.
Thanks again!
Kris