We’ve all heard the saying show, don’t tell. Even as I edit, I find instances where I need to point that out. However, telling does have a purpose. It’s about how it’s used. And perhaps understanding it more will help writers know when and when not to use it.
There are two main concepts where telling can work:
SKIP TO IMPORTANT SCENES
Every scene should drive the plot forward. We don’t need to see the character getting coffee or sitting in traffic. Unless something major happens, write a few telling sentences and skip to the next important thing.
ESTABLISHING GROUNDWORK
Telling the story’s foundation in a few sentences works as well. Some stories start with a telling sentence about the setting. You can also sneak in a few lines of a character’s backstory through telling sentences.
These aren’t the only ways it can work, but they are the two main ways I’ve seen it done well.
Have another way or a question? Leave a comment below!
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