We often hear “Show rather than tell.” But sometimes, showing becomes a distraction for the reader as they attempt to picture something as they read. This is especially true when attempting to show common physical actions. For example:
Showing: The corners of her mouth lifted revealing her teeth as the skin around her eyes crinkled.
Telling: She smiled.
Telling for the win!
Your turn. Leave your best (or silliest) example of when telling is better than showing. One lucky writer will win the badge of honor, the Words for Writers I’m Crafty sticker!
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Showing: “He shifted one sock-covered foot past the other in a forward direction, again and again, until he was able to reach out with his right hand and touch the faux wood-grain handle of the refrigerator door. With a firm tug, he pulled at the vacuum seal, and the door opened.” Telling: “He walked to the refrigerator and threw open the door.” This was fun, Ginny! Thanks!
Great example, Jill! You made me laugh. 🙂
Showing: “She brushed the lock of slightly wavy auburn hair away from her bright violet eyes, revealing her trippled pierced ears. She’d chosen silver studs for the back two holes that morning, and for the front hole, dangly earring that she’d handmade out of beads from an old broken necklace that once belonged to her grandmother. Grandma–whose lovely violet she’d inherited–would have a fit over the triple pieced ears.” Telling: She pushed her hair back.
This was so fun! (Also telling.)
Ha! Love it, Jeanette!