Two writers apply writing axioms to real life

WE

talk writing a lot.

As writers, as writing coaches, as word-lovers and word-crafters, writing truths like Character is plot or Keep it in the active voice are a regular part of our conversation — and not just when we’re working.

One of us will be creating a tablescape and will want to pack it all in, pale-pink roses and hot-yellow daffodils and every vase we own, but then we’ll hit pause, because Less is more.

Or a child comes home from school upset about class politics and we sigh and figure someone else will phone the teacher, and then remember that taking an active stance over a passive one is almost always the way to go.

When the axioms are there in your work, when you know them in your sleep and use them every day, they come to haunt you and to help you in life. Here’s how:

SHOW, DON’T TELL

Want your readers to understand something about your character, their relationships, or the scene that’s happening? Show them, don’t tell them.

Spot the difference between these pairs of sentences:

1: Dina was tired.

2: Dina’s eyes were closing of their own accord. She forced them open, trying to focus on the screen.

1: It was cold.

2: She could feel the frost in the air and quickly pulled her scarf over her cheeks.

1: Eli was running late.

2: Eli panted toward the bus stop, missing his bus by a second. NO!

In each of these examples, the first one tells a fact, while the second paints a scene. And that’s a lot more interesting — and memorable.

In real life…

We love telling people things. Showing, though… that requires more thought and effort. Consider these real scenarios:

Sara’s challenging marriage had ended, and she was desperate for support and practical help in her new role as a single mom. But while several friends offered sympathy, or texted things like, “I’m here for you,” she didn’t feel like they were. Words are just words; didn’t someone realize that sending supper or hosting her for a Yom Tov meal would be more helpful?

Elisheva was struggling with her new teaching job. A veteran morah passed by and offered to help her “in any way.” But she didn’t follow up, and the offer was too vague for Elisheva to feel like she could ask.

Chava quit her full-time office job because, as she regularly boasted, “My children are my top priority.” But her nine to five hours were quickly replaced by a home-run side business, an active social life, and chesed work for N’shei. Her words told one story; her actions revealed another.

When it comes to statements about our values, offers to help others, or commitments, Show, don’t tell applies all the way. Anyone can say it, but when you do something about it, the statement means a whole lot more.

Instead of telling someone you’re there for them, or that you’ll do anything to help, go ahead and do something — offer babysitting, a meal, a contact, an invitation, cleaning help, or financial support. Instead of stating your top priority, make it abundantly obvious — by what you choose to give attention to, focus on, dedicate time to, or place first when two priorities collide.

Let your actions talk for you, and your statements will be all the more powerful.