Short story skill 1: show don't tell

 

Skill 1: Show don’t tell

 

 

 

 

 

“Good writers may ‘tell’ about anything in fiction except the characters’ feelings. One may tell the reader that the character went to a private school… or one may tell the reader that the character hates spaghetti; but with rare exceptions the characters’ feelings must be demonstrated: fear, love, excitement, doubt, embarrassment, despair become real only when they take the form of events – action (or gesture), dialogue, or physical reaction to setting. Detail is the lifeblood of fiction. (John Gardner)

 

 

I heard some noise from the kitchen so a) I went over nervously. When I walked into the kitchen, I saw b) a hungry and angry lion. c) I was shocked and frightened. The lion heard me and turned around. It crawled towards me with its tail held high. d) I was afraid until it lay in front of me, purring like my pet cat. Seeing its gentle gesture, e) I felt rather relieved. All of a sudden, the lion said sadly, “I’m starving”.

 

My heart raced as I cautiously tiptoed to the kitchen. When I opened the door, my heart skipped a beat- a gigantic lion was standing in the middle. It was baring its sharp fangs, saliva dripping like mad. My heart was pounding non-stop while my forehead was sweating profusely. The lion heard the floorboards creak under my shivering legs and turned around. It crawled towards me with its tail held high. My whole body was frozen until it lay in front of me, purring like my pet. I could finally let my guard down and lean forward.   

 

 

 

 

More expressions:

Sad

My heart sank My heart was torn with anguish My heart was stung by his words Tears poured down his cheeks Smiles dropped off his face and he remained silent

 

Excited/nervous

He was pacing forward and backward I took a deep breath Sweat was running out of my forehead