Welcome to Telling Tuesday, a day reminiscent of those in school when I looked forward to seeing what everyone brought for show and tell. This weekly feature was inspired by an article on WriteToDone.com, called "How to Show (Not Tell): A Writing Lesson from John LeCarre."
It is one of the best articles I've seen on the rule all writers know--show, don't tell--because it doesn't just tell us how not to tell, it shows us some of LeCarre's very own examples.
" . . . descriptions can set the scene, convey the inexpressible, and turn the reader into a witness, instead of remaining a mere bystander." -- Mary Jaksch, author of the article
Each week, I'll give a "telling" prompt, and invite you to show us, to make us a witness, not a mere bystander.
THIS WEEK'S PROMPT:
Hmmm . . . let's see. I must admit, I had a tough time coming up with a prompt this week. Imagine. I, as a writer, had a hard time coming up with one, measly sentence. That should tell you how lazy my muse has been lately. No, this morning she didn't want to get out of bed. Hey! There it is . . . my telling prompt! Now, wake your muse up and show me.
She didn't want to get out of bed.
Brave New World
She opened one eye and tried to focus on the clock. No luck. She'd have to open the other eye, too. The numbers across the room still a blob of red, she blinked until they became clear. 6:09. How could three little numbers be the harbinger of such dread? The day had begun.
"Oh, just five more minutes," she mumbled, as if anyone would hear her plea. In denial, she pulled the covers over her head. The warmth was a magnet that held her tightly from the cold world outside her cocoon.But like the call of the wild, she forced herself--drew on every ounce of willpower--and peeked her head from under the covers to check the clock again.
6:17. Ugh.
The scent of coffee drifted in the air. She'd barely inhaled the aroma when her monster-lab, Bear, poked her exposed face with his ice-cold nose. His wagging tail pounded on the bed, like a demanding visitor knocking on the door.
The day had begun. There'd be no ignoring it now. She threw off her covers and took in a deep breath. What adventures would the new day bring?
