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I've written about showing and telling before, but it’s such an important topic that I think more information is always helpful.


Writing is an ongoing adventure…always something to learn and tweak and hone. I recently wrote a children’s story and found I still had a bit of showing in it, thanks to the critique by the Children’s Writers Coaching Club with Suzanne Lieurance (more about the club below).

I was toying with the idea of submitting my story as a picture book, but was advised it would work out better as a children’s magazine article, unless I wanted to rewrite it specifically for a pb. Anyway, I noticed that when I write, and I think this goes for most of us, my thoughts precede my reading ability – so I don’t catch my own errors. This happens because I know what I wrote and what I intend to convey. This makes it almost impossible for a writer to edit her (or his) own work. You can get close, but as the saying goes, Almost Doesn’t Cut It.

What do I mean? Well, let’s look at a simple sentence:

In a daze, Pete stumbled to his feet.

While this isn’t the exact sentence in my story, it is similar. I revised my article and reread it numerous times and didn’t notice that “in a daze” is telling, not showing. And, what’s the KEY to writing in today’s fast paced, no time to waste world? FOCUS AND TIGHT WRITING.

In fact, the fast paced reader of today is getting even more impatient and ready to move on in the blink of an eye. So, we need to take this into account in our writing and marketing.

Okay, back to the focus of the article…

So, how do we change the above sentence into a showing only sentence?

Dazed, Pete stumbled to his feet.

Really simple when you are able to actually read what is written rather than already know what you intended.

What are the important tips to take away?

1. Make sure you are part of a critique group

2. Join the Children’s Writers Coaching Club if you are writing for children

3. Do not submit your work to a publisher or agent before you’ve had it professionally edited.

Now for a bit about the Children's Writers Coaching Club:

I'm a member of Suzanne Lieurance’s Children's Writers Coaching Club and I have to say it is a great club. It delves into writing children’s books as well as writing for children’s magazines: the techniques, tips, the dos and don’ts, it’s all explained. Members are given monthly assignments geared to get your work published. There is also a weekly critique session in which you submit a manuscript or article and Suzanne personally critiques it for you. In addition to this there are weekly teleclasses that teach you the ins and outs of writing for children, freelancing, and marketing. All this along with Suzanne’s knack for motivating and encouraging her members helps you learn and hone your craft. My writing has improved greatly with Suzanne’s guidance and I continue to improve and benefit from this club. I don’t think there is another club that offers so much for such a miniscule price of $27.00 per month.


And, if you're interested in having an extra set of eyes look over your manuscript before submitting it, DKV Writing 4 U offers a wide range of writing services - check it out at http://dkvwriting4u.com/.

Another article that might interest you:

2 Comments on Are You Showing or Telling?, last added: 1/10/2010