Reviews from

Show, Don't Tell - part V

actions louder than words?

21 total reviews 
Comment from Pearl Edwards
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I've read about the show don't tell before, but this was a good reminder because I know I do slip back into the tell. Thanks G some good writing tips and now I'm going to reread my mainly dialogue story I wrote for my local group this week see how I did. Cheers

 Comment Written 05-May-2022


reply by the author on 12-May-2022
    Many thanks, my friend. G
Comment from Judy Lawless
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Thanks for another lesson in show/not tell. G. This is one I've not thought of, although I think I have made use of it unconsciously a few times. I will be saving this for further reference.

 Comment Written 04-May-2022


reply by the author on 12-May-2022
    Glad you found it useful. G
Comment from Sandra Stoner-Mitchell
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I enjoyed this one, Gareth, and downloaded it to my Gareth File, it's getting bigger and is making a wonderful reference folder. I'm glad you gave us some examples, that helps a lot, too. Once I've finished my novel, I'll be going through it again and seeing where I can improve such areas as you've sugested. You'll make a good author out of me yet! Well done, again, my friend. :)) Sandra xx

 Comment Written 04-May-2022


reply by the author on 12-May-2022
    I started going through my unfinished folders and soon realised now. Lot of re-writing going on. lol
Comment from estory
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I think its good advice and something I try to bear in mind when doing dialogue. I think its important to give those emotional clues through body language, and also open a door into the minds of the characters to let the reader put himself into their shoes. estory

 Comment Written 03-May-2022


reply by the author on 12-May-2022
    Much appreciated as always, my friend. G
Comment from Bridge
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A very informative story. I liked the examples as it makes it easy to understand. Thanks for sharing.....................................
With regards

 Comment Written 03-May-2022


reply by the author on 12-May-2022
    Many thanks.
Comment from tfawcus
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Another useful addition to your series. There are quite a few useful websites giving examples of body language associated with particular emotions, but it can take a bit of finesse to find the appropriate actions for the character in question.
I thought your examples showing the difference between telling and showing added clarity to what you were saying.

 Comment Written 03-May-2022


reply by the author on 12-May-2022
    I found sifting through a lot of stuff to be very tiresome. So much conflicting stuff too. Knowing the audience is a good rule of thumb too. G
Comment from Bill Schott
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Lots of useful examples and advice here for writers to build with as their stories grow from outlines and random thoughts into readable postings.

 Comment Written 02-May-2022


reply by the author on 12-May-2022
    Many thanks, Bill. G
Comment from aryr
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This truly was amazing, G. Your words were interesting and very educational. The lists you provided were rather informative-such as afraid and anger. Now of course I am going to save this. Very well done and greatly enjoyed.

 Comment Written 02-May-2022


reply by the author on 12-May-2022
    Much appreciated. G
Comment from Heather Knight
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Hi Gareth,
It's great to read you again.
Although I've read this kind of thing a gazillion times, I never have the patience to finish any of the books, videos, articles... Well, sometimes I do.
What I like about this is the fact that it's very well organised, the language is clear (I can't stand an excess of erudition),there are clear examples and an exercise at the end. It reminds me of a Gotham Writers book I have, which is quite practical and easy to understand.
I'll keep on trying and I'll keep on making mistakes, but maybe one day I'll get there.
Thanks for sharing.

 Comment Written 01-May-2022


reply by the author on 12-May-2022
    I find that kids textbooks have to most to teach us in terms of the basics. I also shy away from suggesting folk to use style manuals and avoid grammarly like the plague!
reply by Heather Knight on 14-May-2022
    I agree with you, Gareth. Mostly when it comes to Grammarly. I once installed the free version and was horrified. Literally. Luckily it was easy to get rid of it.
    I still love children's books and YA fiction. Now I'm into verse novels.
    I hope you and your family are okay.
Comment from Jesse James Doty
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This is excellent advice. I finally read through all of your examples and agree with you 100%!
I have been telling when I should have been inferring the feelings of the characters I am writing about. I am new to writing fiction and it baffles me how to do it right. I will try to read your other guidelines in your portfolio when I get a chance.
Thanks for the great advice!
Jesse


 Comment Written 01-May-2022


reply by the author on 12-May-2022
    Many thanks, Jesse. G