Show, Don't Tell

Writers Guide Series

By: Sandra Gerth

Narrated by: Rosemary Benson

Show, don't tell is probably the single most important piece of advice given to writers. But many writers struggle to understand this powerful principle or have difficulty applying it to their own work. Even experienced authors sometimes don't grasp the finer nuances of showing and telling.

In this book, Sandra Gerth draws on her experience as an editor and a best-selling author to show you how to show and tell you when to tell.

Each chapter includes concrete examples and exercises that will hone your writing skills.

Whether you're a novice writer working on your first story or an established author who has already learned the basics of showing and telling, this book will help you to:

• Grasp the difference between showing and telling.
• Understand why showing is such a powerful tool.
• Spot telling in your own manuscript.

©2016 Sandra Gerth (P)2022 Tantor

Amazing Book and Guide

I’ve learned so much with this book. Plenty of exercises, tips, examples, and useful takeaways. Highly recommended to any aspiring or professional writer.

Actionable guidance

I'm a new writer, so for the past six months I've been consuming every book on the craft I can. Most books are very high level, explaining what you should be striving for but relatively guidance that is helpful when you're sitting in front of your manuscript or outline. This book is different. First of all, she explicitly says it's fine to keep this in the back of your mind but not worry about it too much until the first draft is done, in contrast to the books about structure that warn you of the endless months of revision waiting for you if you falter even a bit. Second, this book gives easily actionable steps to take to dramatically improve your writing, as opposed to the editing books that walk you through ten full revisons. Overall, this is great to read before you start and to have by your side to guide you through the second draft.

A Great Teaching Tool

I've had the kindle version, but didn't have the patience to sit and read it. I found the Audio version works well for me in focusing when I am putting a puzzle together or doing mindless chores. I will be re-listening to this many times and using the Kindle version to focus on the exercises.

Just what I needed

This is a powerful tool for all writers. I love all the examples and the straightforward approach of the content.

the instructions

I liked the ideas and the examples. The exercises would be more useful if I could physically read them rather than listen to them.