Some elaboration on the showing idea.

[janissa11]

Comments

[grand_sophy]

Excellent analysis. Your extensive reading may have helped form your own intuitive grasp of what makes a story move, but it's great that you can put it into words to help others with their understanding and craft. It's always a pleasure to read your work, whether it's fanfiction, meta, or just comments.

[janissa11]

Thanks, honey. *HUGS*

[ignipes]

My reaction to a great many "never do thises" has very often in the past been to go out and do them, just to see why I'm told I shouldn't.

I'm glad I'm not the only one who does this. *g*

I didn't comment before, but I very much agree with your thoughts on "show, don't tell." I've always been of the opinion that if a writer feels like she has to tell what's going on, she's not trying hard enough, or not trusting me enough, both of which are equally frustrating.

Anyway. Just wanted to let you know I enjoyed reading your thoughts. :)

[janissa11]

Heee -- I guess I wanted to distinguish between the "never do this" tone of my earlier post and the idea that there AREN'T any rules, except to the extent that some things work better than others for specific situations.

[trinity_clare]

This has surprisingly little to do with this entry, but I was thinking about your last show-don't-tell post in combination with one of the problems I've been having with the story. How on earth can you give physical description of the POV character? I'm pretty set on wanting outsider POV for this story if I can just figure out how to describe the outsider, and it's driving me crazy. The character's a one night stand of Dean's, but she's not the busty blond that people will assume she is, and I really want to get that across. Any ideas?

[janissa11]

Couple ways I can see. First, if she's nervous about how Dean may perceive her, she has a reason to think about her own looks -- am I his type, if I'm not, then why, and so on. Second, make a part of her look part of the story. "What, I'm not your type?" "Nah, I mean, not that. -- (and so on)." Does that make sense?

[deirdre_c]

I think the crankypants look fetching on you! *g*

[janissa11]

*sheepish*

[deirdre_c]

Don't be embarrassed! Hardly anyone can wear them well. You have a gift! ;)

[beledibabe]

You are, as always, articulate and correct.

[janissa11]

Way too wordy. *sigh* Anyway. Something needs to fix my grumpiness. I think a Casey-shaped something. A Casey-owwie-shaped something. *peers at you* *considers shaking you to see if a Casey-owwie falls out of your pocketses*

[beledibabe]

Um. Not exactly an owwie. More mild angst. Check your inbox. ::smooches::

[janissa11]

The icon is THE WIN. What's that guy's name? I'm blanking. He was so awesome.

Check YOURS for my blathering. *happy sigh*