Tips for Deciding What to Show vs Tell When Writing Fiction

Showing readers versus telling readers is one of the greatest tricks a writer can learn to use in fiction writing. It's not as simple as following a formula, says award-winning author Sam Staley (SR Staley). There is an artistry in effectively "showing" readers, which is largely driven by the story itself. To show a reader means to provide descriptive elements that bring in the various senses, whether that's sight, smell, sound, taste, or touch. For example, don't tell the reader that your main...