Ask the Book Doctor – Show n Tell

Q: We hear all the time, “Show, don’t tell.” My feeling is

the point is overused. Better might be “Telling is okay,

but it must be interesting and justified, for example,

moving the story along.” What do you say?

A: Everything in creative writing is a matter of

moderation. Back story almost always includes a little

telling, but keep the “telling” to a minimum. Make sure it

involves as many action verbs as possible, and it probably

will be fine.

What’s your question for Book Doctor Bobbie Christmas? Send

it today to Bobbie@zebraeditor.com.