Show! Don’t Tell!

I’m a writer. I also teach — screenwriting primarily.

Writing is not easy. Ever.

Screenwriting may be the hardest of all formats.

There are a million ways to go wrong.

In  one of my recent short-form screenwriting classes, a student asked  about the ‘show don’t tell’ technique/rule/commandment. I think the  easiest way to explain it is to show it.

First pass:

Background:  Mr. Harbinger had visited Frank and Louise earlier that day to let them  know that the city was taking their home by eminent domain. Frank  became very angry. Harbinger left so Frank could calm down.

Do you see the difference? In the first example, the writer had a character TELL us (the audience) that he had decided to sign the papers.

In the second example, the writer shows Louise and Frank at the table actually signing the papers. We, the audience, figure it out ourselves that Frank and Louise have decided to sign the papers by showing us that they’re signing the papers. It’s active. More interesting. And it  keeps us waiting just a second longer to learn the outcome. Plus, and  best of all, it gives the actors a chance to give us one last emotional  moment as they sign their home away.

Here’s a simple way to know if you’re showing or telling — are we seeing an action or hearing about it? Can we see the scene? Or do we just hear the information?

I see new writers do this all the time — in dialogue and action narrative. Mastering this one skill will elevate your writing.

Write Like a Boss!