Tag: books

April 2025, writing-tips

🌸 How the Changes in Spring Can Affect (and Inspire) Writers

Sara's Writing Sanctuary

As the seasons shift and the world begins to bloom again, spring brings with it a sense of renewal—one that touches more than just the earth. For writers, spring can be a powerful time of change, inspiration, and even challenge. Whether you’re working on a novel, journaling, or just trying to spark new ideas, the arrival of spring can influence your creative energy in subtle but meaningful ways.

1. Longer Days = More Creative Time

With the sun setting later, many of us find ourselves naturally staying up a bit longer or waking earlier. That extra light can create more space for writing—either literally at your desk or mentally through fresh motivation. Use the golden hours to reflect, write outdoors, or revisit ideas that went quiet during winter’s hush.

2. A Boost in Mood and Energy

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) or general winter blues can weigh heavily on creative minds. Spring brings warmer weather, sunshine, and blooming flowers—elements that can lighten your mood and energize your writing. A brighter mood often leads to better focus, optimism in plot twists, and renewed belief in your voice as a writer.

3. Fresh Senses, New Descriptions

Take a walk and you’ll likely smell blossoms, hear birdsong, or see vivid colors returning to the world. These sensory shifts can enrich your descriptions and spark ideas. How would your character react to the scent of lilacs or the sudden warmth of the sun on their skin? Use nature’s changes to explore deeper emotional layers in your stories.

4. Spring Cleaning for the Creative Soul

Spring isn’t just about dusting shelves. It’s also a chance to declutter your mental space. You might find yourself letting go of old drafts, reworking projects you’ve shelved, or reorganizing your writing schedule. This “inner clean-up” can make room for more clarity and creative growth.

5. Themes of Growth, Change, and Rebirth

Spring’s symbolic themes are goldmines for storytelling. Characters can bloom just like nature—awakening, transforming, and starting anew. Whether you’re writing fantasy, romance, memoir, or poetry, spring offers built-in metaphors and emotional undercurrents to strengthen your narratives.

🌼 Writing Prompt:

Write a scene where a character experiences a personal breakthrough while surrounded by nature awakening in spring. What triggers their change? How does the world around them reflect what’s happening inside?

Whether you write by the window with a cup of tea or sit beneath a budding tree with a journal, spring reminds us that inspiration is always just a season away. Let the warmth, light, and renewal guide you into your next creative bloom.

Happy Writing ^_^

April 2025, Character Writing Challenges, Character Writing Prompts, Moon writing, Writing Challenges

🌕 Pink Moon Character Challenges: Writing Under April’s Lunar Glow

Sara's Writing Sanctuary

The Pink Moon — named after the blooming moss pink flowers of spring — rises each April as a symbol of rebirth, emotional renewal, and hidden strength. This full moon is the perfect time to breathe new life into your characters and challenge them to grow in unexpected ways.

Whether you’re a plotter, a pantser, or somewhere in between, these Pink Moon Character Challenges are designed to spark your creativity and deepen your connection with your characters. 🌸✨

🌸 7 Character Writing Challenges for the Pink Moon

1. The Emotional Reawakening

Write a scene where your character is forced to face an emotion they’ve long buried. How does it come out — through dreams, a conversation, or a memory sparked by the moon?

2. A Blossoming Bond

Introduce a new character who unexpectedly connects with your main character — either as a friend, a rival, or a love interest. How does this new connection challenge their current beliefs?

3. Letting Go of the Past

Have your character confront something (or someone) they’ve been avoiding. What have they held on to for too long, and what would it take to finally let it go?

4. Moonlight Revelation

Under the light of the full moon, your character experiences a moment of clarity or a spiritual insight. What do they realize about themselves or the world that shifts everything?

5. The Spring Storm

Challenge your character with a sudden disruption — a literal storm or an emotional one. How do they react when their calm is shaken?

6. A Cycle Repeats… or Breaks

Your character is about to repeat an old habit or cycle. Do they recognize the pattern? Do they break it or fall deeper into it?

7. The Hidden Self

Reveal a side of your character that no one — not even they — knew was there. Is it something dark? Something soft? Something wild?

🌕 Bonus Prompt: Pink Moon Ritual Scene

Write a ritual or symbolic moment your character performs under the full moon. It could be magical, spiritual, or personal. Use sensory details — what do they see, smell, feel, or hear? Let the moonlight guide your prose.

The Pink Moon is a gentle but powerful reminder that growth takes courage. Let this be a time for your characters to step into their next phase, even if it means shedding old skins. 🌕

Tag your writing with #PinkMoonChallenge and share your favorite scenes or discoveries. Let’s bloom together. 🌸🖋️

Happy Writing ^_^

April 2025, Moon writing

Writing Under the Pink Moon: Let This Lunar Energy Guide Your Storytelling

Sara's Writing Sanctuary

Have you ever looked up at the full moon and felt something stir within you? As writers, we often draw inspiration from the world around us—and few things are more magical than a full moon rising in a spring sky. This month, the Pink Moon graces us with its glow, and it’s more than just a beautiful sight. It’s a reminder of growth, renewal, and emotional clarity—all things that can fuel our creativity.

What Is the Pink Moon?

Despite its name, the Pink Moon doesn’t actually appear pink. The name comes from the wild phlox, one of the first spring flowers to bloom in North America. April’s full moon has long been a symbol of fresh beginnings, emotional release, and spiritual awakening. It’s a time to check in with ourselves, honor what we’ve let go, and nurture what we’re ready to grow. For writers, this is the perfect energy to bring into our storytelling.

Pink Moon Writing Prompts

Whether you’re starting a new piece or refreshing a work in progress, let these prompts guide you:

A character sees a pink-tinted moon and makes a life-changing decision. A magical creature awakens only once a year—during the Pink Moon. A love spell cast under the Pink Moon works… but not in the way it was intended. After months away, a traveler returns home on the night of the Pink Moon—and nothing is as it seems. Emotions run high under the Pink Moon. Secrets spill, hearts open, and truths rise to the surface.

Use these prompts to explore emotional themes, write scenes filled with atmosphere, or dive into the magic of spring.

Create a Moonlit Writing Ritual

Rituals can be a powerful way to reconnect with your creativity. Under this Pink Moon, consider:

Lighting a candle before your writing session to mark a fresh start. Journaling your current feelings and writing intentions. Freewriting by moonlight or near a window where you can see the sky. Setting an affirmation, like: “My creativity flows with the rhythm of the moon.”

These little actions can help you feel more connected and inspired—even on days when words feel far away.

Reflect, Release, and Rewrite

The Pink Moon also invites us to release what no longer serves us. In writing, that could mean letting go of perfectionism, doubts, or plot points that aren’t working. Take time to reflect: What’s been blocking you? What stories or ideas are ready to bloom?

Try revisiting an old draft with new eyes or giving yourself permission to start something brand new. Trust that just like spring, your creative cycles are always shifting—and every phase has value.

Final Thoughts

As the Pink Moon rises, take a moment to pause. Breathe. Feel the change in the air. Let the moonlight remind you that your stories matter, that your voice is needed, and that growth doesn’t always look the way we expect.

Let this season be your creative awakening.

Happy writing ^_^

April 2025, writing-tips

How to Use Body Language in Dialogue

Sara's Writing Sanctuary

(Without Going Overboard on Sighs and Eyebrow Raises 👀)

You’ve probably been there. You’re writing a scene, your characters are talking, and suddenly…

She sighed.
He raised an eyebrow.
She crossed her arms.
He sighed again.

Before you know it, your characters are stuck in a cycle of repeated gestures—and your reader’s attention starts to drift.

But body language is important! When used well, it adds nuance, tension, and emotion. It shows what characters aren’t saying out loud. The key is balance—and a little creativity.

Here’s how to use body language in dialogue that actually works:

✅ DO: Use Body Language to Reveal Emotion

The best body language doesn’t just fill space—it deepens the emotional undercurrent of the scene.

Instead of this:

“I’m fine,” she said, crossing her arms.

Try this:

“I’m fine,” she said, but her shoulders had curled inward like she was bracing for a hit.

That shift in body language gives us more than a tired “crossed arms” cliché—it hints at vulnerability, fear, and what she isn’t saying.

❌ DON’T: Repeat the Same Gestures

If every chapter has someone sighing, clenching fists, or raising a brow, your readers will start to notice. And not in a good way.

Fix it: Keep a running list of body language you tend to overuse. Challenge yourself to replace it with something more specific to your character’s personality or situation.

✅ DO: Anchor Dialogue with Purposeful Movement

Body language can ground a scene and keep it dynamic. Characters don’t just float and talk—they move, interact, fidget, avoid, engage.

Example:

He rubbed the back of his neck, avoiding her eyes.
She picked at the label on her water bottle, waiting for him to answer.

These gestures do double duty: they show mood and keep the scene visually active.

❌ DON’T: Describe Every Little Movement

Readers don’t need a play-by-play. Trust them to fill in the blanks.

Too much:

He walked into the room, sat on the couch, stretched his legs out, and folded his hands on his stomach.
“So,” he said, “what now?”

Better:

He dropped onto the couch, expression unreadable. “So. What now?”

Streamlining lets the emotional beat shine through.

✅ DO: Match Movement to Mood and Personality

A confident character doesn’t fidget nervously (unless they’re pretending to be nervous). An anxious character might avoid eye contact or tap their foot.

Let your character’s unique way of being shape how they move.

Example:
A flirtatious character might lean in closer, toy with a necklace, or glance at someone through their lashes.
A reserved character might keep their posture tight, their hands tucked into pockets, avoiding touch.

❌ DON’T: Use Body Language as a Crutch for Weak Dialogue

If your scene only works because of all the gestures propping it up, the dialogue itself might need a revision.

Body language should enhance, not save, a scene.

Quick Fixes:

Here’s a little cheat sheet of fresh alternatives to “the usual” gestures:

OverusedTry Instead
SighingJaw tightening, eyes unfocused, rubbing forehead
Eyebrow raiseTilting head, one corner of mouth quirking up
Arm crossingFolding a napkin, shifting weight from foot to foot
Fist clenchingKnuckles going white, nails digging into palm

Final Thoughts

Body language is a powerful tool—but like all good things, it works best in moderation. Think of it as seasoning: the right amount enhances your scene, too much overpowers it.

So next time you catch yourself writing another sigh or eyebrow raise, pause. Ask yourself:
✨ What is this character really feeling—and how would they show it? ✨

You’ve got this.

Happy Writing ^_^

April 2025, writing-tips

Dialogue That Feels Real: Dos and Don’ts

Sara's Writing Sanctuary

If you’ve ever read a story where the characters talk like robots or wax poetic when they should be panicking… you know how much bad dialogue can kill a good story.

Great dialogue doesn’t just sound good—it feels real. It pulls readers in, reveals character, and moves the plot forward without feeling forced. But writing dialogue that sparkles and still feels authentic? Not always easy.

Let’s break it down with some practical Dos and Don’ts to help your dialogue hit just right.

✅ DO: Listen to how people talk

Real-life conversations are messy, emotional, and often filled with quirks. People interrupt, trail off, use contractions, and—let’s be honest—sometimes say the wrong thing.

Tip: Eavesdrop (respectfully!). Watch TV shows or movies with stellar dialogue. Write down snippets that sound natural and analyze why they work.

❌ DON’T: Overload with exposition

If two characters are talking just to dump information the reader needs, it’s going to sound awkward.

Bad:

“As you know, Jenna, ever since Mom died in that tragic car crash six years ago, you’ve had a hard time trusting people.”

Better:

“You always shut people out, Jenna. Ever since Mom… you’ve been different.”

Let the emotion do the heavy lifting.

✅ DO: Use subtext

What’s not being said can be just as powerful as what is.

Example:

A couple fights about dishes. It’s really about feeling unappreciated.
A teen talks about hating school. She’s actually scared of failing.

Readers love uncovering the real meaning beneath the words.

❌ DON’T: Make every character sound the same

Each character should have their own voice—word choice, rhythm, and tone. A snarky teen should sound different from a gruff old warrior or a nervous professor.

Try this:
Read each character’s dialogue aloud without tags. Can you tell who’s talking just by the words and tone?

✅ DO: Use contractions and natural phrasing

Unless your character is intentionally formal (a robot, royal, or old-fashioned type), they probably don’t say “I do not want to go to the store.”
They say, “I don’t wanna go.”

Small tweaks = big difference in flow and believability.

❌ DON’T: Use dialogue to fill silence just for the sake of it

Not every scene needs chatty back-and-forth. Sometimes silence, body language, or internal thought says more.

Let your characters breathe. Let tension simmer.

✅ DO: Read it out loud

This is one of the best tests. If you trip over your words or it feels stiff, your reader will feel it too. If it flows off your tongue naturally? You’re probably onto something good.

Quick Bonus Tip:

Avoid name-dropping too often.
In real conversations, we rarely say each other’s names unless we’re trying to get someone’s attention or make a point.

Unnatural:

“What are you doing, Sarah?”
“I’m just thinking, Mike.”
“You seem tense, Sarah.”

Natural:

“What’re you doing?”
“Just thinking.”
“You seem tense.”

Final Thoughts

Writing dialogue is part art, part instinct, and part practice. If you focus on voice, subtext, rhythm, and emotional truth, your characters will feel like real people readers can connect with.

So go on—write conversations that matter, that crackle, that linger.

And if you ever feel stuck? Just ask yourself: Would a real person actually say this?

Happy Writing ^_^

April 2025, writing-tips

How to Turn a Dream or Daydream into a Story

Sara's Writing Sanctuary

Have you ever woken up from a vivid dream or gotten lost in a daydream that left you inspired—heart racing, ideas swirling—only to wonder how to turn that wild, beautiful chaos into a full story?

You’re not alone. Dreams and daydreams are incredible sources of creative gold, often revealing pieces of ourselves, symbolic images, and emotional truths that our waking minds don’t always tap into. But translating that into a story takes a bit of crafting.

Here’s a simple guide to help you take that dream or daydream and spin it into something magical, meaningful, or just plain fun.

1. Write It Down Immediately

Dreams fade fast. The moment you wake up or snap out of your daydream, jot everything down. Don’t worry about structure or grammar—capture the details, emotions, colors, snippets of dialogue, and even the nonsense. Sometimes the strangest details become the most symbolic or powerful parts of a story.

Bonus tip: Keep a dream journal by your bed or a notes app handy if you’re more of a daydreamer during walks or chores.

2. Identify the Core Feeling or Theme

What stuck with you most? Was it a sense of fear, wonder, longing, freedom? Did it hint at something deeper—a desire, a memory, a metaphor for your current life?

Use that core emotion or message as your anchor. Maybe your dream about a crumbling castle was really about the fear of change. That gives your story depth and purpose.

3. Ask Questions to Expand It

Treat your dream or daydream like a story seed and start asking:

  • Who is the main character and what do they want?
  • What is the world like? Is it magical, futuristic, or eerily familiar?
  • What obstacles stand in their way?
  • How does it end—or how could it end?

Questions spark answers. And answers lead to plot.

4. Reshape the Logic

Dreams don’t always follow linear logic—but stories should (even surreal ones). Take the raw pieces from your dream and rearrange them into a coherent structure:

  • Beginning (What kicks off the journey?)
  • Middle (What trials or discoveries happen?)
  • Climax (What truth is revealed or action taken?)
  • End (How is the character changed?)

You don’t need to explain everything, but grounding your dream in a loose structure gives readers something to hold onto.

5. Bring in Your Own Voice

This is your dream. Your vision. Your unique lens. Don’t worry if it’s “too weird” or doesn’t make perfect sense right away. When you write from that raw place, your voice will shine through—and readers will feel it.

Add texture, dialogue, stakes, and your signature mood. Whether it’s romantic, eerie, whimsical, or intense, shape the story to match how it made you feel.

6. Use It as a Scene, Not Just a Plot

Not every dream needs to be a whole novel. Maybe it becomes a short story, a flash fiction piece, or even a single scene in a larger work.

Sometimes dreams give us powerful moments—a character’s death, a magical door, a stolen kiss—that can be woven into bigger stories. Don’t be afraid to mix and match dream fragments with other ideas.

7. Let Go of Perfection

Dreams are messy. Stories are too, especially first drafts. Let your imagination run wild before you try to polish it. You can always revise, add structure, or cut later.

The goal is to capture the magic—and magic doesn’t always come in clean lines.

Final Thoughts:

Your dreams and daydreams are windows into your subconscious creativity. Trust them. Explore them. And most of all, play with them.

You might be surprised what stories are already inside you, just waiting to be written.

Happy Writing ^_^

April 2025, health

Why Support Matters When Writing with Chronic Illness

Sara's Writing Sanctuary

Living with chronic illness isn’t just about managing symptoms—it’s about holding onto who you are when your body tries to pull you in another direction. For writers like me, that means trying to stay connected to creativity even on the days when pain, fatigue, or brain fog make everything feel impossible.

I’ve been dealing with a lot of health issues that have deeply affected not just my body, but also my mental health. It’s hard to feel motivated or inspired when you’re overwhelmed by what your body is going through. Some days, just getting through the basics takes everything I’ve got. And yet, writing continues to call to me—because it’s more than a passion, it’s a lifeline.

What has kept me going, even during my hardest moments, is support.

For me, that support often looks like two furry faces and four paws each. My two dogs remind me daily that I’m not alone. They sit with me during the pain, nudge me when I’ve been at my desk too long, and offer silent comfort when words fail. Their love and presence ground me in ways nothing else can.

But beyond them, this blog has become a huge part of my support system too. Writing here has connected me to people who get it—who understand how hard it is to balance health, life, and creativity. I’ve met others who write through their own chronic struggles, and it’s reminded me that I’m not the only one fighting to hold onto my voice.

Support—whether it’s a person, a pet, a kind comment, or a creative community—matters more than I can say. It helps keep your spirit high. And when you’re writing through chronic illness, your spirit is everything. It’s what keeps you showing up to the page, even when everything hurts.

So if you’re reading this and struggling, please know: you’re not alone. Your story matters. Your pace is enough. And whatever form support takes in your life—lean into it. Let it lift you. Let it remind you that you’re still a writer, even on the days you can’t write.

Happy Writing ^_^

April 2025, Writing Challenges, Writing Ideas, writing-tips

April Showers Bring Story Powers: Embracing Emotional Depth in Your Writing

Sara's Writing Sanctuary

We’ve all heard the phrase, “April showers bring May flowers,” but have you ever considered how the same applies to storytelling?

Just like those gray, rainy days nourish the ground and prepare it for blossoms to bloom, emotional depth—the storms within your characters—can transform your writing from surface-level to soul-stirring.

Rain as a Metaphor for Emotion

Rain is often associated with sadness, grief, or cleansing, but it also represents growth. In storytelling, the same is true. Conflict, heartache, and vulnerability aren’t just drama—they’re necessary to cultivate powerful transformation in your characters.

A good story doesn’t shy away from emotional storms. It walks straight into them, soaked and shivering, knowing that something meaningful waits on the other side.

Let It Pour: Creating Emotional Depth

Here’s how you can channel your own April showers into story power:

1. Let Your Characters Get Wet

Don’t shelter your characters from hardship. Let them cry, break down, lash out, or feel numb. The more honest their emotional responses, the more your readers will care.

💭 Think of a scene where your character’s internal storm mirrors the actual weather. What are they hiding from? What are they afraid will be washed away?

2. Use Weather to Reflect Mood

Weather can be more than just background—it can mirror emotion. A gentle drizzle can represent quiet sorrow. A thunderstorm might echo anger or chaos. Fog may suggest confusion or fear.

🖋️ Writing prompt: Your protagonist walks through a downpour after a major betrayal. What memories does the rain stir up? What do they finally let go of?

3. Give Conflict Time to Soak In

Just like rain seeps into the soil, emotional conflict should take time to settle. Avoid rushing from a dramatic event to a tidy resolution. Let your character wade through the mess—guilt, regret, denial—and evolve gradually.

4. Bloom on the Other Side

Every storm eventually passes. Once your character has faced the emotional deluge, let them emerge changed. Maybe not healed, but growing. This transformation is the flower after the rain—the heart of your story.

🌼 Emotional growth makes a story memorable. Readers crave catharsis as much as your characters do.

Don’t Fear the Rain

Too often, writers pull back from emotional intensity, afraid it might be “too much.” But writing, like life, isn’t always sunshine. Rain can be beautiful, cleansing, even poetic—if you lean into it.

So the next time you hear rain tapping against your window, think of it as a creative nudge. Let those emotional showers fall onto your page. Your story—and your characters—will bloom because of it.

Writing Prompt Challenge: Write a scene that starts with a rainstorm and ends with a moment of emotional clarity. Bonus points if something physical in the scene—muddy shoes, soaked paper, thunder—adds symbolism to your character’s emotional state.

Let your April be full of stories that rain truth, storm with feeling, and bloom with meaning. Because when it comes to powerful writing, sometimes a little weather is exactly what your story needs.

Happy Writing ^_^

April 2025, writing-tips

5 Fantasy Writing Myths Debunked – Spring Cleaning Edition 🧹✨

Sara's Writing Sanctuary

Spring is here, and with it comes the itch to clean, refresh, and toss out what no longer serves us—not just in our homes, but in our writing habits too! If you’re a fantasy writer, chances are you’ve picked up a few myths along the way that might be cluttering your creative space. So grab your metaphorical broom, and let’s sweep out these outdated beliefs.

1. You Must Create an Entire World Before You Start Writing

The Myth: You can’t write a word of your story until you’ve built a complete, detailed world with maps, histories, languages, and political systems.

The Truth: Worldbuilding can evolve with your story. Some writers do extensive prep, but others build as they go. Your world only needs to be as developed as your characters need it to be in that moment. Don’t let perfectionism stall your progress. Let your world grow like a garden—season by season.

2. Fantasy Stories Have to Be Epically Long

The Myth: If your fantasy book isn’t at least 100k words, it’s not “real” fantasy.

The Truth: Length doesn’t define quality. You can write a powerful, immersive fantasy in under 80k words (or even less!). Think novellas, serialized fiction, or tightly focused standalones. Not every tale needs to span generations or contain a 12-book prophecy arc. Let your story be the length it needs to be—not what a myth tells you it should be.

3. Fantasy Needs to Include Elves, Dragons, or Medieval Settings

The Myth: Fantasy must look like Tolkien’s Middle-earth or it doesn’t count.

The Truth: Fantasy is a genre of possibility. Want a desert realm ruled by elemental queens? A floating market in a cyber-fantasy world? A demon-run coffee shop in a city built on ley lines? Yes, yes, and yes. Fantasy can blend with sci-fi, horror, romance, or surrealism. Don’t box yourself in. Your imagination is your only limit.

4. Magic Needs to Be Fully Explained to Be Believable

The Myth: If your magic system doesn’t follow hard rules and scientific logic, readers won’t take it seriously.

The Truth: There’s room for both “hard” and “soft” magic systems. Some stories thrive on intricate rules; others use mystery and wonder to create emotional impact. Think Studio Ghibli vs. Brandon Sanderson. Both are valid. Your job is to stay consistent, not to turn your magic into a science textbook (unless you want to!).

5. You Have to Write Like [Insert Famous Author] to Succeed

The Myth: You’ll never make it if you don’t write like Sanderson, Le Guin, or Martin.

The Truth: You have your own voice, and that is your superpower. Readers want new perspectives, diverse voices, and fresh takes. Don’t compare your rough draft to someone else’s polished publication. Hone your craft, sure—but write like you. That’s who your future fans are waiting for.

🌸 Time to Declutter Your Creative Space

Spring cleaning isn’t just about dusting shelves—it’s about letting go of what holds you back. These writing myths? Toss them out with last winter’s socks. Your fantasy story deserves room to breathe, grow, and become uniquely yours.

Now go open a window, light a candle, and get back to writing that magical world only you can create. 🌙🖋️

Happy Writing ^_^

March 2025, writing-tips

How to Show, Not Tell: Practical Tips for Stronger Scenes

Sara's Writing Sanctuary

One of the most common pieces of writing advice out there is “show, don’t tell.” But what does that actually mean? And how can you apply it to your own stories without getting lost in overly descriptive language?

Let’s break it down with practical tips to help you write vivid, emotionally resonant scenes that keep your readers hooked.

📖 What Does “Show, Don’t Tell” Really Mean?

“Telling” gives the reader facts and summaries. “Showing” invites the reader into the scene to experience it for themselves.

  • Telling: She was angry.
  • Showing: Her fists clenched at her sides, and her jaw tightened as she stared him down.

Showing uses action, dialogue, body language, thoughts, and sensory details to convey emotions and events. It allows the reader to draw conclusions rather than being handed information directly.

✨ Why It Matters

When you show instead of tell:

  • Readers feel more immersed in the story.
  • Emotions feel authentic and powerful.
  • Characters become multi-dimensional and relatable.
  • Scenes become cinematic and engaging.

🛠️ Practical Tips to “Show, Not Tell”

1. Use Sensory Language

Instead of summarizing what’s happening, anchor your scenes in the five senses.

  • Telling: The forest was spooky.
  • Showing: Branches creaked in the wind, and a low mist curled around the trees, muffling her footsteps.

Ask yourself: What does the character see, hear, smell, taste, or feel in this moment?

2. Express Emotions Through Reactions

Show your character’s emotions through how they react physically, mentally, and verbally.

  • Telling: He was nervous.
  • Showing: He wiped his sweaty palms on his jeans and glanced at the clock for the fifth time.

Body language, pacing, inner thoughts, and tone of voice are all goldmines for showing emotion.

3. Use Dialogue with Subtext

People rarely say exactly what they feel. Let characters speak around the truth, hesitate, or use sarcasm to reveal inner conflict.

  • Telling: She didn’t trust him.
  • Showing (through dialogue):
    “You expect me to believe that?” she said, arching an eyebrow. “That’s cute.”

Let your characters show their trust, doubt, fear, or affection through what they say—and how they say it.

4. Add Movement and Action

Even small gestures—biting nails, pacing, fidgeting—can reveal a lot.

  • Telling: He felt out of place.
  • Showing: He hovered near the door, one hand gripping the strap of his bag like a lifeline.

Keep your characters active in their world, and emotions will naturally shine through.

5. Focus on Specifics

Vague descriptions lead to telling. Specifics make the scene come alive.

  • Telling: The house was messy.
  • Showing: Pizza boxes teetered on the edge of the coffee table, and a sock dangled from the ceiling fan.

Zoom in. Use concrete details that spark an image in your reader’s mind.

🧠 When Telling Is Okay

“Telling” isn’t evil—it has its place, especially for:

  • Transitions or time jumps
  • Summarizing unimportant details
  • Creating narrative distance
  • Streamlining pacing

The key is balance. Use telling when necessary, and show when the moment demands emotional depth, character growth, or tension.

📝 Try This Writing Exercise:

Choose a telling sentence and rewrite it by showing the emotion or action.

Example:

  • Telling: She was scared.
  • Showing: She froze, her breath caught halfway in her chest, and her eyes darted toward the hallway as footsteps echoed closer.

Practice rewriting 3–5 telling sentences and see how they evolve into more vivid scenes.

💬 Final Thoughts

“Show, don’t tell” isn’t about eliminating all exposition. It’s about choosing which moments deserve the spotlight. When you show, you invite readers to feel, imagine, and connect. That’s where the magic happens.

So next time you’re writing a scene, pause and ask yourself:
Can I show this instead?

Happy writing^_^

—

Want more tips like this? Follow along for prompts, journal ideas, and creative inspiration just for writers. Also If you want Books to check out for writing, Check out my Page Resource Books.