How To Show & Not Tell Workbook

Do you understand showing versus telling? This workbook has been designed to help you show and not tell in fiction writing.

How To Show & Not Tell Workbook

Transform flat, over-explained writing into vivid, engaging fiction readers can experience and feel.

The How To Show & Not Tell Workbook is a practical, easy-to-follow guide designed to help you master one of the most important skills in creative writing: showing instead of telling.

This downloadable workbook is based on one of the most popular short online writing courses in our library and gives you a focused, advert-free learning experience packed with examples, techniques, and exercises.

The Objectives Of This Workbook

This workbook will help you:

1. Understand the difference between showing and telling in fiction.
2. Learn how to create vivid scenes through action, dialogue, and sensory detail.
3. Discover when telling is useful and necessary in storytelling.
4. Improve emotional impact and reader engagement.
5. Develop stronger short story and novel writing skills through practice.

The Purpose Of This Workbook

This workbook is a downloadable, advert-free version of the free online course How To Show And Not Tell In Short Stories.

If you want to learn how to write a complete short story, we recommend joining Short Cuts.

If you want to focus specifically on improving your ability to show rather than tell, this workbook gives you a practical and enjoyable way to build that skill.

What you will do with the workbook:

As you work through the lessons, you will:

1. Develop the ability to show emotion, conflict, and character naturally.
2. Reduce unnecessary exposition in your writing.
3. Practise writing immersive, engaging scenes.
4. Strengthen your storytelling through guided exercises.

What you get:

1. Immediate access through your account.
2. A downloadable, printable workbook.
3. Nine focused lessons on showing and telling.
4. Plenty of practical examples.
5. Writing exercises at the end of every lesson.

What materials do I need?

1. You only need internet access and a device such as a phone, tablet, or computer. 
2. If you prefer working on paper, you can print the workbook using a home printer or print shop.
3. We encourage you to complete exercises by hand where possible, but you are free to use whichever writing method feels most comfortable and productive for you.

How do I complete the exercises?

1. Set aside time each day to read a lesson and complete the exercises.
2. We recommend working in focused sessions of around 30 minutes.
3. Work directly from the workbook.
4. Follow the instructions carefully and apply the techniques to your own writing.

Most importantly: have fun experimenting, learning, and improving your fiction writing skills.

How much is it?

$20

How to access your workbook:

1. Go to the shop.
2. Choose How To Show And Not Tell In Short Stories
3. Add to basket.
4. Click on basket at top right hand side of the page.
5. Pay: $20
6. Create an account.
7. Your purchase and details will be confirmed.
8. If you want to download the course content online go to: My Account

You will be able to access the workbook from there. Click on its name and it will begin to download.

Have fun and happy short story writing!

Optional Feedback

If you want coaching sessions or feedback on your writing, please set up an online session with our resident coach, Mia Botha. Please email news@writerswrite.co.za with your request. We will provide rates for the sessions.

Refund Policy: Our workbooks are non-refundable.