Anonymous asked: In my writing I tend to be too overly descriptive and straightforward and it makes my writing very flat. Do you have any tips on how I can “show” and not “tell” my readers what’s happening in my stories?

I need to you return to the ask box and explain to me how you can be both too descriptive and too straightforward.

Aside from that, here are some articles on pacing, timing, and “show, don’t tell”:

• Ransacking the Town: The Basics of Pacing
• Dialogue
• Bad Creative Writing Advice
• The Ultimate Guide to Writing Better Than You Normally Do
• Action with a Side of Zombies
• Hook Your Readers With Tension

Creating a style takes time and practice. We suggest:

• Tools for Structure and Style
• Fifteen Writing Exercises
• Expanding Your Comfort Zone

Maybe you’re scratching your head right now because you were unaware that style had anything to do with “show, don’t tell” or pacing. Please see Writing Style: What Is It?

Thank you for your question! Feel free to ask again (or ask a new one!) if you need any clarification from us!

-C

DON’T PANIC

P.S. Should we write an article on “show, don’t tell”?