Showing versus Telling ~ Crafting Words at All Levels

By: Loni Cameron

The September meeting of the WCYR featured writer and creative coach Sue Reynolds. Sue’s free workshop focused on the topic of “showing versus telling”, something every writer needs to learn, or likely struggles with at one time or another. Sue told us stories, took us through exercises and referenced Harry Potter. It was a great Sunday afternoon.

After the fun of socializing, getting some food, book browsing and raffles, we were ready to hear what Sue had to teach us. We couldn’t tear our eyes away, as Sue described how to evoke emotion from a reader, and not just tell them how they ought to feel. One of the most important things she created for us in those two hours was a safe space, a space where we could write and share, and know that others were doing the same. Soon, we were writing from prompts and sharing those flashes of fiction with a partner. As a few of us shared with the entire group, when to show versus tell was made even more clear. We listened to our fellow writers, some brave, some shy, and all here to learn.

This was just a taste of what Sue Reynolds can offer. I’ve met writers who repeatedly attend her workshops, and who sign up as soon as they hear about it because they fill up fast. Last Sunday was a rare opportunity to learn for free from an incredible creative coach, who I think taught something to everyone in that room. I look forward to putting what I’ve learned to good use.

Coming up at the WCYR on October 15th will be How to Market and Sell Short Fiction with Douglas Smith. Information and how to register is now available.