Understanding Show Don't Tell

Class Description

"Show don't tell" is far and away one of the most common pieces of writing advice. It is also one of the most misunderstood recommendations for writers. In this class, we'll break down this age-old mantra and unpack how to have a mixture of both elements to provide readers the opportunity to engage and then to rest. We'll unravel this mystery with examples from published works, a detailed lesson with takeaways that you can incorporate into your story immediately, and in-class writing time to practice the suggestions.

In this class, we’re going to unpack this writing advice so you'll know:

• when to show and when to tell.
• the difference between showing and telling on a story level and on a sentence level.
• the categories of showing on the story level.
• how word choices can impact the reader's experience.

This class is for writers of fiction and memoir, intermediate to advanced.

Class Format

This class will take place using Zoom videoconferencing. About 15 minutes before your class is scheduled to begin, you'll receive an email from your instructor with a link to join the class meeting!

Scholarship Information

Thanks to the excellent literary citizenship of our donors, scholarships are available for all GrubStreet classes. To apply, click the gray "APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIP" button. In order to be considered for a scholarship, you must complete your application at least one week before the start date of a class. Please await our scholarship committee's decision before registering for the class. We cannot hold spots in classes, so the sooner you apply, the better. Scholarships cannot be applied retroactively.

For more more detailed information about GrubStreet scholarships, including how to contribute to scholarship funds for other students, click here.