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How to develop skills to show instead of telling in writing?

As a non-native English speaker, I found it difficult to show instead of tell in my writing. Despite my efforts to improve by reading, I still find it challenging to express my thoughts and ideas effectively. I am interested in creative writing. I would appreciate any advice.

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Briana’s Answer

Hi, Ayesha,

Try doing daily writing exercises with a Theme where you describe basic emotions or character conflicts with visual language without using any wording from the theme/prompt . For example:.

Mad: crossed arms, narrowed eyes, pursed lips, yelling, red face, etc.

Two characters are had a fight last night: they avoid eye contact, they are curt with each other, they slept in separate rooms, they avoid talking about a certain topic, their eyes look tired, etc.

You can also start looking into more idiomatic language that may be tougher as a non-native English speaker. For example, you can look up an idiom for the same theme/prompt:

She had an arguement with him. -> She bit his head off.
He was nervous. -> He had butterflies in his stomach.
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Ricardo’s Answer

Hello Ayesha! Like you, I'm a non-native English speaker who has been writing professionally in the US since the late 90s after moving here. Your inquiry doesn't specify the type of writing you're passionate about. As a TV and film producer, my writing serves as a foundation for the upcoming visual elements. If screenwriting or writing for visual arts appeals to you, feel free to utilize any tools at your disposal, from Google Translate to AI.

If your goal is to become a novelist or explore other forms of writing intended for an audience, you may need to put in more effort to expand your vocabulary and develop your unique writing style. However, always remember that being a skilled writer goes beyond language proficiency. Language is merely a tool, while the creative storytelling resides within you, regardless of the medium you choose to express it. You can write in your native language until you're satisfied with your work, and then use technology to translate it into any language.

Here's a specific example: I discovered my love for writing through reading Stephen King. For my 12th birthday, my parents gifted me a copy of Salem's Lot. I went on to read most of his books from the 70s and 80s, but since I lived in South America at the time, I read them all in Spanish. Despite the translations, I was still able to appreciate his distinct style. As you can see, language is simply a tool, and an author's true creativity transcends it. So, don't let English hinder your self-expression to its fullest extent.
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Tom’s Answer

Study idioms, go to a mall, a park, or anywhere that people congregate, and just observe them. You'll see humanity at it's best and at its worst. Plus, start keeping a thesaurus on your person when you need it. The English language is a confusing mess of words that can mean very different things despite sounding similar. But to show instead of just tell, imagine how something makes you feel, then expand on it. Are you simply 'mad' or are you 'furious', 'enraged', 'red in the face' or something else? Are you 'happy', or are you 'ecstatic' or even 'glowing' with joy? There are so many different ways to express what your characters are feeling in a story, or display your scenery, but it all takes the same thing that writing does: practice. Brainstorm, study, read, and observe. The more descriptive you can be, the better picture you can paint with your words. Just write what comes to mind when you observe others and how they react to each other and the world around them.
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Fernando’s Answer

I recommend first writing in your native language and then trying to translate it into English. This could help to relax your and ease the stress you feel when writing. However, if you want to jump head first, by writing in English only, remember that as a creative writer playing fast and loose with grammar rules helps out when conveying an idea. When describing a person, object or location don't focus on trying to be to lean or blunt, unless your writing a spec script, instead be a bit verbose or flowery with your descriptions. Sometimes it helps to work in a bit of poetry writing styles to really sell the image your trying to paint for the reader.
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