When I first started writing, I used to think telling was just fine. “She was scared,” I’d write, hoping that would be enough. But then I learned that showing is what makes stories come alive. It’s the magical way to let readers truly step into your character’s shoes and feel the moment.
For example, instead of telling you, “Sarah was nervous,” I want you to feel her jittery hands, the quick catch of her breath, the way her heart pounds so loudly she worries others might hear it too. That’s showing. That’s how you pull readers in, making them live your story rather than just read it.
Why does this matter so much? Because, like juggling three toddlers while trying to savour a cup of coffee, writing needs to grab your attention and hold it. Showing creates emotional connections and tension, making your readers care about your characters and what happens to them. It’s what turns ordinary words into a vivid, unforgettable experience.
So, how do I manage this, especially when my writing time is sliced into tiny fragments between nappy changes and school runs? Here are the tricks I’ve learned:
1. Use The Senses
When I write, I try to imagine not just what a scene looks like, but what it sounds, smells, and feels like. Instead of saying, “The kitchen was messy,” I picture crumpled napkins scattered across the counter, the faint smell of spilled juice, and the cold surface of the floor under my feet. Sensory details like these make scenes jump off the page.
2. Let Actions Speak
We don’t always say what we feel, right? As a mum, I see this every day. My kids stomp their feet when they’re angry, hide behind me when they’re shy, avoid eye contact when they’re lying. Translating emotions into actions, like clenched fists or a shaky voice, helps readers connect with characters on a deeper level without spelling everything out.
3. Use Dialogue
Good dialogue can reveal so much. Instead of writing, “They didn’t get along,” I like to show it through a sharp exchange or a heavy silence. Sometimes what’s not said is just as important as the words themselves.
4. Focus on Specific Details
Details matter. Instead of “She wore nice clothes,” I write something like, “She slipped on her favourite black heels, the ones that click confidently across the hall.” Those little specifics paint a clearer, richer picture.
5. Sometimes, It’s Okay to Just Tell
Let’s be honest: as a busy mum, I don’t always have the luxury to show every single feeling or moment in deep detail. Sometimes, a quick bit of telling keeps the story moving and gives me the breathing room I need. The trick is knowing when to show and when to tell so your story flows naturally.
One thing I’ve learned through this process is that “show, don’t tell” isn’t a strict rule. It’s just about inviting your readers to feel the heartbeat of your story, while giving yourself permission to keep things simple when you need to.
So next time you’re editing your work, maybe with a sleeping baby on your lap and a half-cold coffee nearby, try swapping a few tells for shows. You might just find your story feels more alive, and your readers more connected.
Emilie Turner 