Do Tell

[deckardcanine]

I’m sure you’ve heard of “Show, don’t tell,”
A writing tip we all know well
From Anton Chekhov, though he said
A longer phrase, from what I’ve read.
It’s meant for use in not just plays
But writing in all kinds of ways.
The point is to describe the scene
So readers sense just what you mean.
For instance, you had best avoid
Declaring someone was annoyed
When you can say they rolled their eyes
Or heard a crowd as buzzing flies.
That said, plain telling has its place,
If only to increase the pace.
The duller details can be skipped
Or covered in a briefer script
With exposition, which would leave
The better parts to image-weave.
Like any other writing rule,
It’s not a law but more a tool.
Decide yourself what’s best to show
And what to tell; I hope you know.