Show, Don’t Tell: Give the Clues, Not the Police Report

“Show, Don’t Tell” is one of the most common pieces of writing advice — but also one of the most misunderstood. What does it really mean? And how do you actually do it?

In this episode, Zena Dell Lowe shares a crisp, actionable breakdown that goes beyond flowery description. Using a brilliant metaphor — "give the clues, not the police report" — Zena shows how to shift your writing from passive to powerful.

What you’ll learn:

• Why simply describing something still isn’t “showing”
• How discovery transforms exposition into drama
• The one mistake that makes readers check out
• Visual storytelling, subtext, and behavioral cues that work
• How to engage your audience by making them active participants

🎁 BONUS: Want to write stories that keep your audience hooked?
Download Zena’s free training video on the 7 Deadly Plot Points Every Story Needs 

This question came straight from Zena’s monthly office hours, which are open to anyone who’s ever purchased one of her classes. Want access like this? Check out her courses and join the mission. Learn more at The Storyteller’s Mission.


Seven Deadly Plot Points FREE TRAINING VIDEO

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