The Easiest Explanation of 'Show, Don't Tell' Ever

If you're a writer who has done your homework, you've heard the old saying, "Show, don't tell."

It's a bit of advice recycled by literary know-it-alls; all of whom emphasize it's importance but few of whom can easily illustrate what it means. 

Well, I'm going to break it down using everybody's favorite genre: Erotica. 

Ready? Here we go.

THIS IS TELLING

They made passionate love.

THIS IS SHOWING

He tugged at the lace stockings. His fingers set lightly upon her skin as he 

He rolled onto his back, panting to catch his breath.

"Was that it?" she asked.

______

And that's the difference between showing and telling. 

Any questions?

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Kathryn Harris is a journalist, a weekend blogger, a wife, a mother of two and the author of "The Long Road to Heaven," a novel about finding faith and forgiveness in the aftermath of addiction.