Show, don't tell. Misuse of term?

For a long time now, "show, don't tell" has been emphasized over and over in the writing realm. And while I understand the concept, I've realized that the term itself seems to have skewed the meaning of what it really is.

According to those who use the term "show, don't tell," telling is writing with few details, basically reciting a story on a surface level, while showing is writing with details that bring the reader to an understanding of what's really happening so they can envision it in their mind.

At first glance, the term seems to fit quite appropriately. But on closer inspection, I've realized that it really doesn't make that much sense. (Remember, I'm talking about the term, not the concept.) Movies show. Picture books show. But do words really show?

To give an example of what people mean by "show, don't tell," if I wrote, "She was angry," that really doesn't give readers much to visualize - they have to imagine everything themselves, which may or may not fit what the scene is trying to get across. But if I wrote, "She clenched her fists as her eyes burned with cold fury," the reader will receive a whole new picture. The character is livid. She's more than just angry and now we can visualize her expression and depth of anger.

From other writers I've talked to, they would express that my above demonstration is one of "show, don't tell" because of the difference in details between the two sentences. However... are not both sentences telling? You see, written words are just that. They are letters that form words that form concepts on flat pieces of paper (or screens as it were). Every detail is a form of telling. For how can a story be told in writing without telling?

Here's where I think I differ from the popular term. Let's use my above example. "She clenched her fists as her eyes burned with cold fury." What about, "She squeezed the muscles in her fingers in order to form a fist and applied pressure while her eyes displayed her inner feelings wrought with a burning of cold fury." Or what about, "She willed her brain to signal the nerves and muscles within her fingers so that they would clench and fold in at the knuckles to grip the flesh of her palm..." Or what about, "She processed what to do next and her thoughts became a command to her brian to signal the nerves and muscles within her ten fingers in order to bend at the knuckles and move the bones therein, shaping a fist to grip the flesh of her palm through which the blood flowed..."

See where I'm going with this? Where do the details stop? If "show, don't tell," truly means just that, then how much showing is required until it is satisfactory?

But we both know that the point isn't how much detail, but the quality of detail. And this is where I think the key lies. You see, it's really not about showing. Written words cannot show. We say they "paint pictures" and we say that they "create vivid scenes," and it's true - the words put pieces together in the action of "painting" and "creating." But in reality, it is the reader's mind that forms a visual of the end result, not the words. The only thing the words can do is stimulate the brain into forming the correct picture for the reader to see.

Therefore, the term, "show, don't tell," basically doesn't work. I can't show you anything with my written words. I can only tell it in a way that you will see it in your mind.

The concept of "show, don't tell," is very clear and easy to grasp. But the term itself, I believe, is misused. Because of this, if I were to advise any other writer, I would tell them to, "don't just tell - tell with detail."

My conclusion? I think the concept of "show, don't tell" is most certainly valid and a very important part of quality writing. However, I do believe the term is used incorrectly and should it be explained to a novice writer, one should take care in explaining the meaning of the term, not just using examples to back it up.

Online Presence

Trying to keep up with a website, Facebook and this blog can sometimes be a challenge. Though traffic is minimal at this point, I do hope to generate a more regular following. While it seems pointless to update something which people are not yet reading, without the updates, no one would take interest. And thus, one of the many, many circles we encounter.

I did recently revamp my website and the look will probably stay for a while. I wanted something a little more chipper than the earth tones of my previous look, and the purples attach it somewhat to this blog. Keeping a website looking fresh and new is key to grabbing the interest of passing visitors. Making sure all information is current is also a must.

Facebook is all the rage right now, and I must admit that I'm surprised it has lasted this long. As a free service, it would be silly to not take advantage, so I'm trying to keep up with my very own page. Some days this may simply mean updating the photo. Other days it may mean keeping people informed of my current writing ventures and statuses. Even if it's just a link to a recent FaitWriters article, each update is important as it will show up on the home walls of those who "like" my page.

Paid advertising may be an option for some. For me, at this point, it is not. For those that can take advantage of this though, it may provide even more traffic, generating even more interest in what you have to offer - another reason to ensure that your online content is updated and current.

There are days when my writing consists only of online tasks. Even so, I count it as I would any writing exercise. When inspiration for articles or books lacks, what better way to spend my writing time than keeping up with my online pages?

Nutshell

Ahhhh, the weekend. Though there is a lot to do during the next couple days, it still feels nice not to have to go in to work until Monday.

Writing has not progressed much for me. The heat persists. Whether that's the main contributor to my writer's block or not, I'm unsure. I did enter the FW Challenge again last week with my entry The Scent of a Memory. It didn't do very well (placement wise) but at least the feedback was nice. This week's topic is "Discern." Don't know if I'll have the inspiration to enter on that one or not, but we'll see.

Today has been a day of many scrambled thoughts about PublishAmerica. They continue to bombard their authors with emails full of gimmicks and "deals." Their latest strategies include some "interesting" bait surrounding Barnes & Noble. Many are unsure as to how much of what they say is true, though I imagine much of it is simply worded in such a way to make it seem great to authors. However, I have to say that their latest offer to be a go-between for authors and Barnes & Noble takes the cake. They are pushing authors to buy books in order to submit questions or suggestions to Barnes & Noble... I thought that was something any individual could do.

At any rate, that's my current writing world in a nutshell. Until next time, stay cool and let writing take its course, whether speedy or slow.

Heat wave

10:00 at night and it's still 86º out. I love summer, but when sweat starts dripping on my keyboard, I start wishing for a cool breeze.

The heat seems to sap all of my energy and creativity. I find myself staring at a blank page, wanting desperately to fill it with vivid word pictures, and yet nothing seems to come. I know it will pass, along with this heat wave, but I have to admit that it's frustrating.

This and That

I am extremely glad that it is Friday evening. It has been quite a long week - busy and tiring. But with the start of the weekend, it means a little bit of catch-up rest is in order...that and learning how to use the riding lawnmower.

My FaithWriters recent Challenge entry, I Want, didn't place, but I received a lot of nice comments. Sometimes it's a short story that comes to mind, and other times I'm inspired with a poem. I recently asked others if perhaps my poetry was just an easy way out because at times it has felt as though I've whipped out a poem simply because I couldn't get a short story written in time. The overall response I received was thought-provoking. I now see that no matter how God chooses to inspire me, it isn't an "out" or me being lazy. I must realize that while my "norm" might be short stories or devotionals, who am I to direct the inspiration that God provides? So one new goal of mine is to embrace the inspiration that comes to me and not fight it, whether it's a short story, devotional or a poem.

The latest news I have of PublishAmerica doesn't come as much of a surprise. From what I can tell, there are more and more authors starting to question PublishAmerica's methods (or madness as it were). I have seen many complaints lately, mostly pertaining to book prices. While PublishAmerica stands firmly on their way of business, when delving deeper, it just doesn't make a whole lot of sense to the authors.

As a side note, I may be entering the world of Taekwondo. I've always wanted to learn some form of Marshal Art and a friend has convinced me to try it out. My introductory lesson is over a week away and I'm already nervous, but I'm pretty sure that I'll sign up for regular lessons. The stress-relief and exercise alone will make it worthwhile, and who knows... I might gain some new fodder for a future book.

Pains of Change

It's August, folks. Each time a new month rolls around, I wonder where the last one went. July went by in such a rush that I can hardly remember what has happened the last four weeks.

The turning of months makes me think of change. I recently wrote a nice little short story about change and how it can be good and something to look forward to. Unfortunately, it did not describe me! I fight change kicking and screaming the whole way. I've never liked changed and I dare say I never will.

But...

Liking or not liking it isn't the point. It's how I deal with it that's the main thing. I can stomp my feet, yell and scream and shake my fist in the air, but it's not going to modify the situation at all. The only thing it might accomplish is a rise in my blood pressure.

Learning to be still and rely on God while amidst change (good or bad) seems a daunting task. But with each day that passes, I try my best to gain ground on that goal. Sometimes change isn't good and attitudes need to morph so that we can accept what's happening and deal with it. Sometimes change is necessary, even if it's painful. Sometimes change is directly from God when He's trying to steer us in a new direction for His purposes.

I need to remember this more often, even in relation to my writing. Perhaps when I meet those brick walls, something needs to change, whether it's content, perspective or direction. But I need not worry about where that change will take me, because in the end, I'll still be writing for the Lord, and that is the whole point, right?