Show DON’T Tell

I met Lee Weatherly, the author of “Broken Sky” at the Cornerstones Writing Workshop which I am attending with Mummy. 

The hoomans sat in a room most of the day discussing how to write about the things they feel. I was allowed to sit in and listen to their discussionsThere were lots of talking – using lots of words, more than they use when they speak to us. But there was no action …
And I made myself comfortable in all positions as they went on talking for hoursAt times someone would come into the room to lay out biscuits on the table. I could only watch the ongoing and not investigate. And then go back to listening quietly by Mummy’s feet.This is Lee Weatherly showing me her latest novel, Broken Skyand with Helen Bryant the founder of Cornerstone Writing WorkshopHelen knew I was coming but she had to ask the other course attendees if they minded my presence. Thankfully no one did.  In fact most of them have their own dogs. One has a Spoodle in Australia! Another has two Schnauzers in Doha, and another has a Wired Fox Terrier and in the mix, a Puggle. Others have cats – so they were mostly pet-friendly hoomans.

At the end of the day, I joined them for cocktails on the patio and I was allowed into the hotel’s restaurant for the group dinner.So that was my full day.

In between discussions when the hoomans took breaks, Mummy would walk me out to stretch my legs and ahem, relief myself!We took a walk down to the beach during lunch time.And then a run in the nearby fields after the end of the last session.Besides that, I didn’t do much. By bedtime, I was exhausted. It must have been all that thinking process that went on all day.

May’s comment:  I finally made it to a writing workshop. Something I’ve always thought I should experience and see what tips I can get to help me with my writing. Well, as it turned out – lots!

Yesterday was the first day.  We talked about structure and writing synopsis.

We identified and got to know our characters – and after we had listed all the finest details about the character, someone likened it to sculpturing – chip away all the  parts that do not make up the end sculpture.

The aspect that I found the most interesting and most difficult to do is to “show, don’t tell.”  This apparently is one of the basic rules of writing.  By showing, you allow the reader to make his own connections and interpretations. And I tend to tell A LOT!!!!

Hmmm, need to practice on the showing but it will take me a lot longer to write these blogs! LOL!

It was also interesting to meet the other individuals who signed up for the workshop. They come from different countries and such varied backgrounds – all with a desire to write.

Why do people write? A need to express, to create, to share their thoughts.  Someone asked me that. It’s completely therapeutic. I feel happier for writing and I can sit for hours to do so – if without pressure, when I am able to craft words “on paper.”

It was helpful in meeting others who are like-minded – to learn about each other’s works but also to receive encouragement.  By sharing what I have been struggling with, others have made suggestions on how to overcome some of the fears, the hurdles, the indecisions.

The workshop lasts two days. But only after one day, we caught glimpses of the pool of talent in the room. Also struck by how varied were the topics and the different styles of expressions.

Feeling lucky to have this opportunity to expand my learning and hopefully to kick-start this much deliberated desire to write.

Cornerstones is a leading UK literary consultancy since 1998. With over 60 professional and industry editors, we offer a wide range of editorial reports and affordable mentorship schemes. We also act as scouts for agents. Our focus is on teaching authors, equipping them with the tools to self-edit effectively. We run writing workshops and guest lecture at universities, festivals and conferences. In 2016 we launched in the US with a team of top editors, and are thrilled to be the world’s first transatlantic literary consultancy.