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Writer’s Toolbox

Ask The Writer

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Your most pressing and perplexing questions about writing answered here by Gotham teacher Brandi Reissenweber.

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Show Don't Tell

In his ten rules for writers, Elmore Leonard advises that writers "avoid detailed descriptions of characters." Do you know why? Isn't this one way to characterize?
What's wrong with using cliches? They're easily understood, so it seems like a good way to write clearly.
What is telling detail? Does it have anything to do with the advice to show and not tell?
When you're writing about a character's thoughts aren't you always telling instead of showing?
I keep hearing the advice: show, don't tell, but I'm not quite sure what it means. Can you explain?
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