This quick self-editing tip is one you’ve very likely heard if you’ve been a writer for nearly any length of time.

Some call it “Resist the urge to explain.” Others call it, “Show, don’t tell.”

If we’ve all heard this advice, why do so many first-time writers fail at following it?

And should “Show, don’t tell” always be followed?

With help from a number of sources, we’ll delve into what “Show, don’t tell” means and how you can rework your manuscripts to follow this sage advice.

Sources

• R.U.E. Resist the Urge to Explain (Terry O’dell)

• Show, Don’t Tell: What You Need to Know (Jerry Jenkins)

• The Art of Memoir by Mary Karr

• Why ‘Show, Don’t Tell’ Is the Great Lie of Writing Workshops (Writer’s Digest)

• The Secret to Show, Don’t Tell (The Write Practice)

• Show, Don’t Tell (Daily Writing Tips)

• Show, Don’t Tell (Grammar Girl)