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This week: Storyteller or Writer? Edited by: Vivian  
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My recent newsletter about "show, don't tell" stirred up a hornet's nest. Several comments were sent me by email as well as a direct reply to the newsletter. So now I have a question to everyone who reads this newsletter: Do you want to be a storyteller or an author? Which is more important to you?
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Which do you want to be: storyteller or author/writer?
First we need to address what a storyteller is or isn't. Storytelling is the conveying of events in words, images and sounds, often by improvisation or embellishment. Telling a story allows nonverbal actions and communication not possible with written words. The teller can entertain and keep attention of listeners with vocal, facial, and body expression, as well as words, using the combination to show the audience what is happening in the story. Therefore, storytellers do "show" even if not through words alone.
An author/writer (called writer from this point forward) has only words as his tools. His face can't show excitement, surprise, or anger - note the use of "show." A writer needs to show the reader what is happening in order to gain and to keep the reader's attention. In this world of television and movies, readers also want to "see" the action from books and stories in their heads.
One newsletter respondent used the argument that contests often have word limits and showing takes more words than telling. I enter some of those contests, as do others, and if the judges recognize good writing, the entries with showing rather than telling will place higher than others.
Using excessive detail does not equal showing. In fact excessive detail often is a side effect of telling. To show, rather than to tell, a writer weaves details into the story as needed, bit by bit, not in long boring paragraphs. Also only details required to move the plot or characterization forward or to allow the reader to share the experience should be used.
Another point, telling in directions and instructions is different than writing a story or novel. Directions and instructions are written in second person and are mainly telling. Most stories and novels are written in first or third person (second person doesn't work nearly as well) and should show.
Two people argued that storytellers, stressing the teller portion, have been around ages longer than the advice to "show." Let's see, paper and pens haven't been around as long as storytellers, and computers haven't been around as long as paper and pens. Which do we use the most now? That argument would require we not write stories or improve our writing. That attitude will keep writers from being published authors. Also, as explained above, storytellers can "show" what is happening through the use of voice, face, and body. Writers have to use words.
I wonder what would happen if people took the time and effort they use to argue against something, which would improve their work, to try and use the advice offered. Would more storytellers become writers? Would more writers become authors? Would more become better readers?
Each person must decide what he wants to be, a storyteller or a writer or author. |
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Words from Our Readers
Thank you for those who wrote and appreciated last time's editorial about show,don't tell. I hope this group thanks will be enough for you to know how much I liked your remarks.
~A.J. Lyle~ 
Hiya! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this newsletter. You have shown how to 'show, not tell' in a clear, easy to understand way through the various examples. This is something many writers struggle with, and I think this article was an informative and encouraging way to help demonstrate the difference between the two.
~Joy
Happy 2024! 
Excellent newsletter. Thank you. *Smile*
{user:twon)}
Great news letter. Telling and showing is very much clearer now. Thank you.
jlbane
I've attached an item that I wrote on the subject of writing. The entry "Our Job As Writers... What Is It?" touches on the subject of Show, don't tell but like I bring out, there is a way to take it even further as we try to engage our readers. I really enjoyed the points you brought out. Great Newsletter.
Your item is listed in the highlighted works above.
~*Arpita*~
Loved the newsletter that you put up. The editorial as well as the editor's picks were very thought-provoking. As a newbie I found it to much help.
~Arpita
Summer Day♥
This was a wonderful article and a simple way of really making any story, short story or novel come alive.
nabz
thank you very much for the newsletter. it is very helpful. please keep sending the newsletter.
nabz.
smartfudge
Now the "show don't tell" prospect my English teacher was proposing makes a lot more sense when I see a written difference. I notice it also adds a whole lot more length to writing. Thank you so much!
Now for the comments that need a brief reply from me:
BIG BAD WOLF is hopping 
Showing and Telling have been a big problem for me. After all, the job of a Storyteller is to Tell the story. 
I hope my newsletter this issue helps reply to your comment. A storyteller is not a writer or author. Big difference.
(wiccara)
Every I write I improve a little a more on my writing, and I've read a lot of bad books and thought how did they get published. I recently read Stephen King's new book and he goes into to much detail. So my question is this How do you know when to draw the line on the show and tell and not to bore the reader. If your writing what you're reading right.
Details do not equal showing. Any details should move the story forward and/or aid in reader comprehension. Any time details get in the way of either, the writer used too much. Again, showing and detail are not the same.
Estopia
I have then read "Show, don't tell" in "Trip to Quiapo" of Ricky Lee, a manual for script writers. And he meant that, in writing, it has to be scenic, not that you describe everything, wordy. For the readers to believe you, "Show, don't tell," just like being a witness in a case. You have to have evidence, describe, don't tell. -just this, long enuF. :D
EsP
Too much of anything dealing with writing can weigh down the story. Therefore, what we write should provide a "movie" in the mind of the reader.
GRAMPA ED
Vivian,
Once I pick up a book I read it all the way through, except some books take me a lot longer to read as it just does not get my attention. I will still finish the book. Some times I have put the book down and will come back to it in say, two months. Then I skim through the part I have read to refresh my memory, then finish the book. But I never give up on the book.
Grampa Ed
I'm giving advice to help people be better writers. Some people are willing to give any book a complete read, but that really isn't the case often. If writers want to be successful authors, they must adapt to what people will read, not just for the few that will read anything they start. Personally, my time is limited, and I won't waste any of it reading a poorly written book.
Thank you for joining me again. I hope the advice I offer helps other writers. See you again in four weeks.
Viv |
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For Authors: March 16, 2011 Issue [#4283]
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