How can I apply 'show, don't tell' in my writing?

How can I apply 'show, don't tell' in my writing?

'Show, don't tell' means illustrating emotions and actions through vivid imagery instead of stating them directly. For example, instead of saying 'She was sad,' you could write, 'Tears streamed down her cheeks as she stared blankly at the ground.' This paints a picture for the reader.

Can you give me more examples?

Sure! Instead of saying 'He was angry,' you could write, 'His fists clenched, and his face turned crimson as he glared at the wall.' This shows the anger through physical reactions.

What are some tips to practice this technique?

One tip is to focus on sensory details. Describe what characters see, hear, smell, and feel. Another is to write scenes without dialogue, relying solely on actions and descriptions to convey emotions.

How can I identify when I'm telling instead of showing?

Look for adverbs and adjectives that describe emotions or states. If you find phrases like 'felt' or 'was,' consider how you can replace them with actions or sensory details that illustrate those feelings.