Writing Excuses 20.46: Now Go Write- Break All The Rules (Part 2)
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Nov 16, 2025 Highlights include the debate on the age-old advice "show, don't tell," and how telling can sometimes enhance storytelling. The hosts discuss emotional pacing, exploring when to compress less important moments and expand on key scenes. Plus, they delve into magic systems—do they need rules? Erin introduces a framework to evaluate magic's role, while others argue for the beauty of mysterious, systemless magic. Tune in for practical homework on breaking writing rules to spark creativity!
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Show Don't Tell Is Not Gospel
- "Show, don't tell" is a misquoted oversimplification and not an absolute rule for prose.
- Use concrete grouped details to create images, but telling has its place when appropriate.
Compress And Expand Purposefully
- Compress unimportant events and expand emotionally important ones so readers live key moments.
- Intentionally leave space for readers to fill in meaning by choosing what to tell or show.
Use Zooming To Guide Attention
- Effective storytelling needs variance between zooming in and speeding up to signal importance.
- Decide what to detail and what to summarize to guide reader attention.
