Show don't tell has become the cornerstone of creative writing workshops, a slogan cited like scripture. It is also the single most destructive piece of advice aspiring writers ever receive. In this session, we'll look at concrete examples of how the "show don't tell" mantra too often wreaks havoc on our storytelling, by creating confusion, sapping our work of suspense, and causing us to write disjointed scenes. In short, by leaving the reader bewildered rather than dazzled. We'll also discuss how writers can transform their work by following a much more useful creed: Tell the reader just enough to feel what she's being shown. We'll also do a quick writing exercise to bring the lesson home. If you're ready to break the ultimate writing rule sign up and come ready to take your work to the next level.
Steve Almond is the author of ten books of fiction and non-fiction, including The New York Times Bestsellers Candyfreak and Against Football. His most recent short story collection, God Bless America won the Paterson Prize and his short stories have been widely anthologized in The... Read More →
