Show, Don't Tell

The golden rule of writing - show, don't tell - is drilled, pounded, pummelled and otherwise smashed into your head from day one of deciding you want to write. It's a fantastic rule, of course, and the first every writer should follow. But, finally, after thirteen years of writing, I understand it.

I'm reading the Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy for the second time, and it's faithfully just as good as the first time. I'm also reading another book (which I shall not name), in a similiar style to the one I'm currently writing, and I'm astounded at the difference in the quality of the two books.

As I've said before, carbon-copy writing styles grow wearisome quickly. However, the opposing poles of these books is a matter of, you guessed it, "show don't tell". Baroness Orczy is a master at transporting you to the very time and place, without drawing attention to her writing. I barely remember I am reading. Whereas, in the other, I struggle over play-by-playish descriptions. I feel as if I'm being told a story, rather than experiencing it.

Indeed, it is exceedingly more difficult to steer clear of being a play-by-play writer when writing in first person - which I (and the other author which shall remain nameless) am. But now I know what to watch for...

Novel update: About 19 chapters finished (not consecutively) and 175 days remaining...