When Telling Serves a Purpose in Fiction
In the world of fiction writing, we often hear the age-old adage: “Show, don’t tell.” It’s a cornerstone of vivid storytelling, encouraging writers to immerse readers in action, emotion, and scene details. But is there ever a time when telling vs showing in writing, serves a greater purpose? The answer is yes. Telling can be a useful tool when applied strategically. Here are some moments when tellings, rather than showing, can benefit your narrative.
1. Transitions: Shifts in Time, Place, or Scene
Transitions are moments where the story moves from one place or time to another, and readers don’t necessarily want to linger. Drawing out these moments with lengthy descriptions can slow down the momentum of your story. Instead, summarizing with a swift account of action or a brief statement can effectively leap the narrative forward without bogging it down. For example, if your characters need to travel from one city to another, you can simply write, “Three days later, they arrived in Rome.” This prevents the pacing from stalling and keeps the reader engaged.
2. Intensity and Significance of a Scene
Not every scene in your story carries the same weight. When a scene holds low intensity or little significance to the overall plot or character development, telling can suffice. Let’s say your character attends a meeting that’s only relevant to understanding they work in an office. Instead of crafting a detailed scene, you might summarize: “The meeting was uneventful, filled with routine updates.” This allows you to convey the necessary information without taking away from more pivotal moments.
3. Reader’s Rest: After High-Intensity Scenes
Sometimes, after an emotional or action-packed scene, your readers need a break. Telling can serve as a breather, offering readers a moment of respite before the next wave of drama hits. Following a gripping confrontation, a quick summary of what happens next can ease the tension and help balance the story’s emotional rhythm. It can be as simple as: “The days passed quietly after the fight, with little to break the calm.” This doesn’t distract from the emotional peak, but it gives readers a moment to process what just happened.
4. Balancing the Narrative: Controlling Rhythm and Pace
Every good story has a rhythm. Pacing is essential in controlling how your readers experience your tale. Telling is an effective tool for slowing down or speeding up the flow of your narrative. If your story is filled with intense action or dramatic moments, constant showing can overwhelm readers. Use telling to create balance, guiding the pacing so that high-stakes scenes have more impact. Done judiciously, telling helps manage the ups and downs, ensuring your story’s pacing doesn’t feel rushed or dragged out.
Additional Resources for Telling vs. Showing in Writing:
- “Show, Don’t Tell: What It Means and How to Master It” – Reedsy Blog
This article offers a comprehensive guide on when and how to show versus tell in your writing, complete with examples and tips. - “Show Don’t Tell: How to Write Effective Exposition” – MasterClass
MasterClass breaks down the difference between showing and telling, with advice from industry professionals. - “How to Balance Show and Tell in Your Writing” – Writer’s Digest
Learn strategies to balance showing and telling to keep your narrative engaging and your pacing on point. - “Show, Don’t Tell: The Secret to Great Writing with Show and Tell Examples” – The Write Practice
The Write Practice provides 10 actionable tips for showing versus telling, with a focus on improving your prose.
Conclusion
While showing is an integral part of immersive storytelling, there are times when telling vs. showing in writing serves its purpose. Transitions, insignificant moments, post-intensity lulls, and pacing adjustments all benefit from the subtle art of telling. The key is to apply it thoughtfully, ensuring that it enhances your story without sacrificing engagement.
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Happy writing!
