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Show, Don't Tell

Writers Guide Series

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About this listen

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 Words, Language & Grammar Writing & Publishing
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Loved the amount of examples to demonstrate the difference between showing and telling. I thought I’d cracked it til I read this book. I particularly liked the explanation where telling is better than showing too. Recommended for all authors.

Short and to the point

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Although I didn't agree with 100% of the advice given in this book, in general it is excellent. A thorough breakdown of all the ways that showing can be better than telling in prose, when to use telling for summary and when too much showing can make the pace drag. Invaluable advice for novelists.

Great guidance for writers

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certain passages were repetitive, but overall it was very insightful and helpful and I'm grateful for this book.

very helpful and insightful

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excellent and easy to follow. the 15 words evaded her, the glow of salty sweat dampened her brow as the pressure of the 15 word minimum mounted

very well explained

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Very useful. Certainly helped my writing. Definitely worth the money if you’re struggling to show now tell.

Succinct but excellent

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