Why ‘Show, Don’t Tell’ Is Terrible Writing Advice

And the much better alternative

Photo by Ketut Subiyanto from Pexels

Every writing book, blog, and bobble-headed expert regurgitates the same worn-out mantra for aspiring writers: show, don’t tell.

The thing is: it’s terrible advice.

I can say that because I’ve been writing professionally for 20 years. I’ve published novels, books, training materials, blog posts, and even a few articles in peer-reviewed journals.

I don’t say all that to brag, but to hopefully establish some level of credibility.

‘Show, Don’t Tell’ Is Terrible Writing Advice

I want to get right to the point. You're busy. I’m busy. And that’s part of the reason “show, don’t tell” doesn’t work for most writers.

The reason “show, don’t tell” is terrible writing advice is because it doesn’t mean anything.

I’ll prove it to you. Go ahead and explain what “show, don’t tell” means. You know what it means, instinctively, and you’ve probably applied it to your writing.

But what, pray tell, does it actually mean? If you’re having any trouble with the definition, that’s my point. It’s much too vague to be truly helpful.