We writers have a problem with over-reliance on “show, don’t tell”
Show, don’t tell. It’s a writing rule that has been drilled into us since grade school. But is it really a rule? I don’t think so. In general, in the writing and editing community, it is seen as such. Listen to me though… Showing can certainly be a powerful tool in your writer’s toolbox, but it is not an absolute rule! In fact, adhering to it too rigidly can skew your pacing and clarity.
The important thing is to choose the best tool to create the perfect reading experience. And sometimes, that means we must tell instead of show.
One of the things I see my editing clients struggle with the most in their writing is choosing which option to use. Each sentence must propel the story forward and have a true purpose. Sometimes when we show the reader things, it’s unnecessary and grinds things to a halt. This is the last thing you want. Knowing when to tell is just as important as knowing when to show. So, let’s break it down.
The Misconception: “Telling is Always Bad”
How many times have you been told that your writing is lazy if you tell instead of show? Along with the “rule” itself, this is something I’ve heard since I was first learning to write in school.
But I’ll let you in on a secret. Many of the rules we were told in school are simply not true.
Both showing and telling have their place, and each have their own strengths. Good storytelling utilizes both, allowing you to find the right balance to give your reader the right experience.
When we’re told that telling is always bad, some writers overcorrect and try to show everything, which can lead to:
- Pacing issues: Scenes take forever to unfold when they don’t need to.
- Poor transitions: We’re bogged down with details from one scene to the next, so we lack proper time transitions.
- Unnecessary detail: Not every moment needs a cinematic breakdown.
- Overwhelming worldbuilding: This especially occurs in fantasy, where too much showing can bog down the narrative.
Telling isn’t the enemy. Used wisely, it can streamline your story, clarify key information, and enhance pacing.
When Showing Works Best
Showing is about creating an experience for your reader rather than simply stating facts. We don’t want our stories to sound like this blog post. Or worse, a research paper!
In emotionally charged moments, character interactions, or immersive descriptions, showing pulls readers in and makes them feel connected to the story. For example:
❌ Telling: She was angry. ✅ Showing: Her fists clenched at her sides, and her nails bit into her palms. “You knew, and you didn’t tell me?” Her voice shook with barely restrained fury.
This is an area where showing shines—when you want to deepen emotional impact and make your reader feel alongside your characters. Think of it as actively putting your reader in your character’s shoes.
When Telling is the Better Choice
But here’s where things get tricky: not everything needs to be shown in painstaking detail. In some cases, telling is actually the smarter choice because it keeps the story moving and prevents unnecessary fluff.
Some good places to use telling:
- Transitions & Time Skips: If nothing major happens during a character’s week of travel, you don’t need to describe every step. Just say, They spent the next week crossing the barren desert, their supplies dwindling. You don’t need those unnecessary details bogging down the story when you can just get the reader to the next important plot point.
- Summarizing Mundane or Repetitive Actions: Readers don’t need to see every meal eaten or every morning routine unless something significant happens during them.
- Backstory & Exposition (In Small Doses): Sometimes a quick line like He had spent five years as a mercenary before returning home is enough. You don’t need a full flashback every time.
The key is to show what’s emotionally important and tell what’s not.
Finding the Right Balance
So, how do you decide when to show and when to tell? Here’s a simple rule of thumb:
If a moment carries emotional weight, is crucial to character development, or immerses the reader in a scene, show it. If it’s background information, a minor transition, or something that doesn’t need deep exploration, tell it.
How to Apply This to Your Own Writing
If you’re struggling with when to show vs. tell, here are some questions you can ask yourself. These are especially helpful in the self-editing stages.
- Does this moment need emotional depth or immersion? → Show it.
- Is this information necessary but not critical for deep engagement? → Tell it.
- Will showing slow down the story without adding much impact? → Tell it.
If you’re struggling with this balance in your own writing, I have a few more in-depth strategies I use when editing my clients’ work. I help authors refine their pacing and make sure their story keeps readers engaged—without getting bogged down by unnecessary details. If that’s something you’d like more help with, feel free to reach out or check out my editing services!
Final Thoughts & Call to Action
The “Show, Don’t Tell” rule isn’t wrong—it’s just incomplete. The best stories use both tools effectively. Learning when to show vs. tell is what makes your writing stronger.
Have you ever struggled with this balance in your own writing? Let’s chat in the comments—I’d love to hear your thoughts!
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