I have always considered myself to be a good writer however, I must admit that the information gleaned from this Lit session will help me to become an exceptional writer! In this session I learnt the first rule of writing, "Show, Don't tell". To be able to connect with me as a writer and believe my narrative, readers must be able to feel, see, hear, smell and taste my story. It is not enough to simply tell my readers that a character was angry, I must allow them to feel, see and even hear his anger.
It is also important for me to use action, emotion and dialogue to help my readers connect with my narrative instead of writing a dull lifeless piece which would leave them detached.
(Source: https://www.slideshare.net/srgeorgi/show-dont-tell-2)
Additionally, use of certain literary devices can help bring a written piece to life.
(Source: https://www.slideshare.net/srgeorgi/show-dont-tell-2)
After learning about this rule of writing, I went back into my "Caught" narrative to identify areas where I could show instead of tell. It was a satisfying experience, realizing that my narrative was coming alive and imagining how my readers would feel as they engage with the characters. Further, I am determined to continue using this rule as I write narrative pieces and also to expose my students to this exciting way of writing upon my return to the classroom so that they can experience writing success as I have.
Would you like to try at writing showing sentences? Describe one of the following characters, remember show, don't tell!
Character 1
Character 2
Hi Erica, I to found the Lit session on "Show Don't Tell", very informative. I particularly liked how you systematically outlined your details with examples that were easy to follow. I commend you for your thoroughness. If someone stumbled upon your blog with no knowledge of the topic, they would gain some level of understanding, great job. Additionally ,I liked how you made use of the recursive approach to writing by using valuable information gained from the session to better your narrative piece, with the use of showing sentences that will certainly captivate your readers.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the feedback Amina. As I write, I try to employ what was learnt in the session. However, I still struggle a bit with showing my characters doing something so that the reader could decide what type of person they are, instead of just telling them. I'll keep trying at it though and will let you know how it goes. Is there a strategy that you are successful or struggle with using? I would love to hear from you.
DeleteHey Erica, I too was able to glean much from the session on "Show, Don't Tell."This will definitely help me in my writing and also help me to better assist my students make their writing come alive. What I loved most was the lecturer's clear presentation and her use of multiple examples to help us understand what showing sentences are and how they add flavour to writing by taking the reader on the most vicarious journey.
ReplyDeleteAdditionally, I must say that I agree with Amina on your structuring of your information in a detailed manner. Most of all, I love your illustrations. They are remarkable! They really adds pleasure to the reflective process.
Ashel, I'm happy to hear that you benefited greatly from the session as well. You are so right, the use of several examples really brought home the point. In imitation of this, I will surely do the same when I return to the classroom to help my students grasp concepts.
Delete"It was a satisfying experience, realizing that my narrative was coming alive and imagining how my readers would feel as they engage with the characters." Erica Lewis.
ReplyDeleteThis speaks highly of the power of "Show, Don't Tell sentences"! I myself was blown away by this session and fells satisfied when I incorporated details in my narrative.
Good to know that the session had an impact on you. Would you like to share in what way it impacted you Shawndell? I would also love to get the opportunity to read your narrative.
Delete