Ask Jerry
showing versus telling
Asked by Anna Cabral on October 22, 2020
Hi Jerry
I have a question regarding "showing versus telling" in non-fiction. I know that with fiction, it's good to show what people are thinking and feeling, rather than tell, but does this apply to non-fiction in the same way?
The book I'm writing is about my life and experiences. I've been including illustrative stories but sometimes I say how I felt back then. For instance: this and this happened to me and I felt this.
Any thoughts?
Thank you!
Jerry's Answer
Yes, Anna, there's more leeway in nonfiction. Just be sure that when you're writing your anecdotes, you use fiction techniques like description, setting, dialogue, tension, conflict, etc., and do more showing than telling.
Even when you're reflecting on how you felt at the time, resist the urge to write "That made me mad," which is telling. Rather, write something like, "I pressed my lips together and slammed my palm on the table," which is showing.
Let the reader deduce from your actions how you felt.