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10 Writing Prompts to Practice Showing Not Telling

By on May 17, 2025
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Showing not telling is a crucial skill in writing, allowing readers to be fully immersed in your story. By using vivid details and sensory experiences, you can engage your audience and convey emotion without directly stating it. Let's explore ten writing prompts to practice showing not telling in your work.

Practice Showing Instead of Telling with Emotions

Think about a character who is experiencing joy. Instead of telling the reader they are happy, show it. Describe their actions, like skipping down the street or whistling a tune. Compare their expression to the sun emerging from behind clouds. This creates a vivid picture, making the emotion more relatable and tangible for the reader.

Another emotion to explore is anger. Show this through clenched fists, a reddened face, and the character's heated pace. These details allow the reader to feel the tension and intensity rather than simply stating the character is angry.

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Explore the 'Show vs Tell' in Writing Physical Settings

Instead of saying the room was messy, paint a picture. Describe the overturned chair, the flickering TV casting erratic shadows, and clothes strewn across the floor like autumn leaves. This approach not only sets the scene but also conveys the chaos and neglect.

For a serene setting, describe the stillness of a lake reflecting the clear sky, the gentle rustle of leaves, and the distant call of a bird. This paints a peaceful picture that telling can’t match.

Writing Prompts for Show Through Dialogue

Dialogue is a powerful tool for showing not telling. Prompt yourself to write a scene where characters communicate without directly stating their feelings. Use pauses, interruptions, and inflections to indicate mood and tension.

For instance, a character saying, "Sure, I love surprises," while rolling their eyes and folding arms tells more than the words themselves. This engages the reader, drawing them into the subtext of the conversation.

How to Avoid Telling by Using Sensory Details

Avoid telling by engaging the senses. Instead of saying "It was cold," describe the biting wind, the numb stiffness of exposed skin, and the visible puffs of breath. These details create a visceral experience for the reader.

Similarly, to convey warmth, describe the soft glow of a fireplace, the comforting aroma of baked goods, and the cozy weight of a knitted blanket. This technique draws readers into the sensory world of your characters.

According to Wikipedia, sensory imagery plays a substantial role in immersing readers, enhancing their connection to the story.

Master Showing Techniques with Internal Monologue

While internal monologues can often lead to telling, use them to reveal character thoughts through indirect ways. Show a character's anxiety not by stating it, but by their darting thoughts and conflicting inner dialogue.

For example, instead of "He was worried," show a character mentally listing potential outcomes or replaying past conversations. This technique provides depth and insight without telling directly.

Showing Not Telling Examples through Action

Actions speak loud in writing. Create a scene where character actions reveal their nature. Show a character's stout bravery by detailing their calmness and focus during a crisis, rather than stating they are brave.

Conversely, show hesitation by describing a character's shifting gaze, indecisive movements, and tentative steps. Actions often communicate more profoundly than words.

Effective Show Not Tell by Varied Sentence Structure

Experimenting with sentence length and structure can enhance showing. Longer sentences can mirror a character's racing thoughts, while short, clipped sentences can reflect tension or urgency.

Combining varied sentence styles keeps readers engaged and contributes to the tone of a scene, whether it’s frenetic, contemplative, or chaotic. It’s an often-underestimated tool in the writer’s arsenal.

Creative Writing Show Through Symbolism

Symbols can powerfully convey themes and emotions without direct telling. Use recurring objects, like a wilting flower or a broken clock, to subtly reflect a character’s emotional journey or impending change.

Symbols allow for layers of meaning, offering readers a more profound interaction with the text. This technique turns simple objects into the voice of the unseen narrative.

Engage with Showing by Focusing on Characterization

When introducing a character, show their traits through their behavior, attire, environment, and interactions. A character meticulously arranging their workspace might suggest discipline or anxiety.

Contrast this with a character who speaks loudly and uses expansive gestures to indicate confidence or perhaps insecurity masked as bravado. These subtle details help build a rich, believable character.

Use Writing Prompts Showing Conflict Without Explanation

Create scenes where conflict is apparent through actions and dialogue rather than explanation. A slammed door, avoided eye contact, or a tense silence all suggest conflict without needing to state it outright.

These conflicts, when shown rather than told, keep readers curious and pull them deeper into the narrative world of your story.

Remember, the goal is to immerse your readers so deeply that they live the story alongside your characters.

Frequently Asked Questions About Showing Not Telling

Q: Why is showing not telling important in writing?
A: Showing allows readers to visualize and experience the story, making it more engaging and emotionally resonant.

Q: How can I identify when I'm telling instead of showing?
A: Look for instances where emotions, settings, or traits are stated rather than illustrated through vivid details and actions.

Q: Can dialogue help in showing not telling?
A: Yes, dialogue can reveal character emotions and tensions subtly through tone, inflection, and subtext.

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