Six novels that demonstrate why “show, don’t tell” is worth getting right

When I wrote about “The art of showing, not telling” recently, I realised how many great examples of this technique exist in literature. Some authors take it to the next level, showing us emotions, relationships, and tension in ways that draw entirely us into the story without a single line of “telling.” 

I thought it might be useful to look at a few of these standout examples and the writers who have mastered the art of showing so well that their stories linger long after you’ve finished reading.

How to nail the crucial first five pages of your novel

I recently wrote about books that can help with style and craft when writing your novel, and now I want to look at those crucial first five pages. 

When it comes to capturing the attention of a literary agent, these opening pages are make-or-break territory. 

Dialogue that does double duty: How to advance plot and reveal character

Dialogue isn’t just there to make characters sound like they’re speaking. It’s one of the most powerful

tools in a novelist’s kit. The right line of dialogue can move the story forward, deepen a character’s personality, and sometimes even hint at future conflicts. 

When your dialogue serves multiple purposes, it pulls more weight, making your prose more efficient and engaging. Here are four well-known literary examples of how you can achieve this.

The art of showing, not telling: Crafting novels readers can’t put down

I've struggled with this one without knowing and have been guilty of too much telling. 

“Show, don’t tell” is one of the oldest pieces of writing advice, but what does it mean? At its core, it encourages readers to experience the story through the characters’ actions, words, and emotions instead of simply being told what to think. 

This approach makes the difference between feeling immersed in the narrative and feeling as though you’re merely reading a summary.

How to develop character backstories that bring your novel to life

Every character, even those that appear briefly, benefits from a backstory. Understanding their past not

only aids in writing them more convincingly—it also makes them feel more real, both to you and your readers. This doesn’t imply cramming pages of history into the novel, but possessing a profound understanding of their origins will manifest in subtle, impactful ways.

7 books that will help you write your novel

When I started writing, I honestly didn’t believe I could learn anything. I just sat down at my laptop, put words on the page, and wrote. No courses, advice or anything. 

In retrospect, that sounds crazy; why would you start a new project without reading about it?

Notes to John by Joan Didion

I am a huge fan of Joan Didion so this is an unexpected book treat. A new book from the much missed Joan Didion.