30 Writing Prompts For June 2022

Writers Write shares writing prompts and writing resources. Use these writing prompts for June 2022 to get you writing.

[If you want to find out more about creating a daily writing routine, read: All About Writing Prompts & Writing Practice]

This year we are using our daily prompts to improve our writing. This month I want to focus on Show, don’t tell.

Let’s practise

Showing, Not Telling

This advice can be overwhelming, especially when you are starting out on your writing journey. It is also easier than everyone makes it out to be. There are seven steps that you can use to change your writing from telling to showing. Don’t try to use all seven all the time. Pick one two and focus on that.

Seven steps to change from Telling to Showing:

Express emotion as action
Zoom in on your story
Choose a viewpoint character
Use sensory details
Be specific
Use dialogue
Avoid, ‘telling’ words

Often, we’re given the impression that we should show all the time. That is not true, and we do have to tell as well.

We should tell when we need to summarise events, or gloss over unimportant details and characters. We will tell when time has passed in the story, especially if nothing truly significant has happened during that time. It is also a good tool for backstory, but do avoid info dumping and you can, of course, tell whenever you want to. My only ‘rule’ for telling is: when you do tell, tell beautifully. Some writers truly excel at telling.

Read this post to learn about Show, don’t Tell

Craft book:

Last month I suggested that you read screenplays to learn about dialogue. Do the same for Show, don’t Tell. Movies are great examples of Show, don’t Tell.

And check out

Show, don’t Tell by Sandra Gerth

Homework:

This month I really want to focus on showing. Think about the prompt and your idea and choose or two of the above suggestions to ensure that you are showing.

You are welcome to join us for the 30 Days of Show, don’t Tell Challenge on Deadlines for Writers. It is a separate challenge, but our goal this month is the same.

I hope this will inspire you to try showing.