#216: Show, Don't Tell
As autumn marches on, we once again find ourselves back to work and study, hopefully filled with renewed energy and the desire to write. But before we start typing away, why not revisit some craft fundamentals?
"Show, don't tell," is age-old advice that encourages writers to tell stories through sensory details, actions, and images, rather than exposition. But that’s easier said than done. The best way to incorporate it into your writing is to practice.
With that in mind, you might enjoy our free 10-day email course on Show, Don't Tell, along with this week's prompts, which are inspired by it and invite you to refine this foundational storytelling skill.
This week's prompts
Include dialogue that shows that a character is socially awkward.
Dialogue
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29 stories
Stories
“It’s Not Rocket Science ” by Helen A Smith
Submitted to Contest #216
“Widower” by AnneMarie Miles
Submitted to Contest #216
“The Resting Place” by Kevin Marlow
Submitted to Contest #216
“The Mating Habits of the INTJ Female” by Jonathan Page
Submitted to Contest #216
“Mr Bombastic” by Chris Campbell
Submitted to Contest #216
“You Can’t Find Me” by Jonathan Page
Submitted to Contest #216
“I’m Actually Allergic to Cheese” by Poppy Jackson
Submitted to Contest #216
“I'm Free” by Rudy Greene
Submitted to Contest #216
“A Journey to belief” by Jutta Hauke Arriola
Submitted to Contest #216
“First Sip” by Anthony Carello
Submitted to Contest #216
“Another Chance” by Ian Gonzales
⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #216
“Butterscotch and Rum with a Cold Breeze” by Terri Sanders
Submitted to Contest #216
“Anne-Marie, The Story I Can’t Tell You ” by Danie Holland
Submitted to Contest #216
“Poly” by Audrey Knox
Submitted to Contest #216
“It Is Today” by Sol Caine
Submitted to Contest #216
$250
Prize money
287
Contest entries
115
Stories
Ended on 23:59 - Sep 22, 2023 EST
Won by Hazel Ide 🏆
Title: Long Live the King
Submissions must be between 1,000 - 3,000 words and will be approved and published on Reedsy Prompts within 7 days of the contest closing.
Read the full terms & conditions or check out the FAQ if you have any questions!