What are some writing exercises to practice 'show, don't tell'?

What are some writing exercises to practice 'show, don't tell'? I want to improve my descriptive writing.

Here are a few exercises you can try:

1. Sensory Details: Write a paragraph describing a scene using all five senses. Focus on what can be seen, heard, smelled, tasted, and felt.
2. Character Emotions: Instead of stating how a character feels, show it through their actions and dialogue. Write a scene where a character is angry without using the word 'angry'.
3. Object Description: Choose an everyday object and describe it in detail without naming it. Let the reader guess what it is based on your description.

Can you give me an example of the character emotions exercise?

Sure! Instead of saying, 'John was nervous,' you could write:

"John's hands trembled as he fidgeted with the hem of his shirt. He avoided eye contact, his gaze fixed on the floor, and his voice came out in a shaky whisper."

This shows his nervousness through his actions and body language.

That makes sense! What about the sensory details exercise?

For the sensory details exercise, you might write:

"The aroma of freshly baked bread wafted through the air, mingling with the rich scent of coffee. Sunlight streamed through the window, casting a warm glow on the wooden table, where a soft breeze rustled the leaves outside, creating a gentle whisper."

This engages the reader's senses and paints a vivid picture.

Thanks! I’ll try these exercises. Any tips for incorporating them into my writing routine?

Absolutely! Set aside a specific time each day for writing practice. Start with one exercise per session, and gradually increase the complexity. You can also keep a journal to track your progress and reflect on how your descriptive skills improve over time.