“Now the second common characteristic of fiction follows from this, and it is that fiction is presented in such a way that the reader has the sense that it is unfolding around him. This doesn't mean he has to identify himself with the character or feel compassion for the character or anything like that. It just means that fiction has to be largely presented rather than reported. Another way to say it is that though fiction is a narrative art, it relies heavily on the element of drama.” WritingCharacterStorytellingPlotWriters On WritingFiction WritingWriting FictionHow To WriteHow To Write FictionHow To Write A NovelShow Don T TellShow Dont Tell Book:Mystery and Manners: Occasional Prose Source: Mystery and Manners: Occasional Prose
“In writing. Don't use adjectives which merely tell us how you want us to feel about the thing you are describing. I mean, instead of telling us a thing was "terrible," describe it so that we'll be terrified. Don't say it was "delightful"; make us say "delightful" when we've read the description. You see, all those words (horrifying, wonderful, hideous, exquisite) are only like saying to your readers, "Please will you do my job for me." [Letter to Joan Lancaster, 26 June 1956]” WritingDescriptionCreative ProcessAdjectivesShow Dont Tell Book:Letters to Children Source: Letters to Children