1. The First Rule of Writing
Show, Don't Tell
The First Rule of Writing

2. What is Show, Don’t Tell?
The Show, Don’t Tell method of writing is when the writer is able to create a picture in the reader's mind, to get away from the repetition of such boring words like went, big, cool, nice, fun, pretty, said, etc.

4. Read the next two slides. How do they compare?

5. Which is better? This . . .
When I left my office that beautiful spring day, I had no idea what was in store for me. To begin with, everything was too perfect for anything unusual to happen. It was one of those days when a man feels good, feels like speaking to his neighbor, is glad to live in a country like ours, and proud of his government. You know what I mean, one of those rare days when everything is right and nothing is wrong.

6. Or This?
I left work feeling happy. It was a good day.

7. What differences did you see in the two versions?
The first version:
was much longer
had describing words such as beautiful spring day
created a mood
built up a feeling that something was about to happen

8. Which is better and why? Pick out specific adverbs
I missed the bus.
I rapidly raced down the road, wildly waving my hands, and yelling frantically, “Stop, stop,” but the bus traveled on down the road without stopping.

9. Which is better and why? Pick out specific adjectives
The shattered windows and creaking hinges made me tremble as I slowly crossed the shadowed yard towards the dilapidated house.
I was scared as I walked towards the haunted house.

10. Which is better and why? Pick specific verbs
My teeth chattered as I trudged through the snow on my way home.
It was cold when I walked home.

11. Which is better? Pick out the comparison
My coat is too small.
b. As I tried to twist my arms out of my jacket I felt as if I were wearing a strait jacket and was headed to the asylum.

12. Which is better? Pick out the comparison
Papers overflowed my cramped desk as I rummaged for the pencil I knew was buried somewhere inside the dark, cavernous abyss.
My desk is a mess.

16. Let’s practice a little more
You will work with a partner.
You will get a slip of paper with a BORING sentence on it.
Liven up the sentence! Have fun and be creative!
Use your imagination to SHOW not just retell. You have 2 minutes!
P.S. Candy for sharing! 

17. Now let’s practice!

18. Assignment
Pick out an image that really pops and paste it into a google doc.
Write a paragraph describing the image; show don’t tell! Use lots of vivid verbs, showy adjectives, and some fun comparisons to bring the picture to life.
We will then do a gallery walk, look at the cool images, and add some details to the paragraphs.