Show, Don't Tell - part II
The Iceberg Theory20 total reviews
Comment from LJbutterfly
This is a very informative post. In late 2019, I joined a writing group of published authors at my local library. I was not a writer, but submitted an entry to be critiqued. I described every detail of my compelling story. The main suggestion...do some showing. I went on line and purchased books on showing rather than telling. I appreciate your information on the Iceberg Theory and suggested exercises and will go in search of Part I.
reply by the author on 13-Apr-2022
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This is a very informative post. In late 2019, I joined a writing group of published authors at my local library. I was not a writer, but submitted an entry to be critiqued. I described every detail of my compelling story. The main suggestion...do some showing. I went on line and purchased books on showing rather than telling. I appreciate your information on the Iceberg Theory and suggested exercises and will go in search of Part I.
Comment Written 12-Apr-2022
reply by the author on 13-Apr-2022
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I've done some reading and some of it is quite convoluted, so I'm trying to distil things down into bitesize, managble chunks.
Comment from barbara.wilkey
Thank you for sharing the Iceberg Theory with us. I am using it in the current novel, I'm posting. I hope I'm using it correctly in how it relates to my main characters emotions. We'll see.
reply by the author on 12-Apr-2022
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Thank you for sharing the Iceberg Theory with us. I am using it in the current novel, I'm posting. I hope I'm using it correctly in how it relates to my main characters emotions. We'll see.
Comment Written 12-Apr-2022
reply by the author on 12-Apr-2022
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That's one of the best usages for it too. All the best G
Comment from K. Lang-Slattery
Thanks so much for this piece. I've never heard of the Iceberg Theory and found your explanation very helpful. I hope use it in my writing more often now that I understand how to do it better. Your writing is smooth and understandable. Great work.
reply by the author on 12-Apr-2022
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Thanks so much for this piece. I've never heard of the Iceberg Theory and found your explanation very helpful. I hope use it in my writing more often now that I understand how to do it better. Your writing is smooth and understandable. Great work.
Comment Written 12-Apr-2022
reply by the author on 12-Apr-2022
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Many thanks for the great response. this will be a multiple part piece. I'm trying to keep it into small, manageable chunks. Much appreciated. G
Comment from Spitfire
I like the iceberg analogy. This rule of revealing only a few details at a time is a trick of movies too and keeps the viewer in suspense trying to put the puzzle together! Thanks for including the paragraph and your analysis. I always encouraged my students to read Cliff Notes for novels which delves below the surface.
reply by the author on 12-Apr-2022
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I like the iceberg analogy. This rule of revealing only a few details at a time is a trick of movies too and keeps the viewer in suspense trying to put the puzzle together! Thanks for including the paragraph and your analysis. I always encouraged my students to read Cliff Notes for novels which delves below the surface.
Comment Written 12-Apr-2022
reply by the author on 12-Apr-2022
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There's nothing worse than signposting as far as I'm concerned, i like breadcrumbs but don't need a neon sign. lol Many thanks G
Comment from Katherine M. (k-11)
Today was my brother's birthday, and I have been writing his memoirs since before I joined FS. one of my difficulties has always been how to SHOW how remarkable he was. Perhaps now I will finally be able to bein to do his life justice. Thank you so much for this gift you have prepared for us. Kate xx
reply by the author on 12-Apr-2022
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Today was my brother's birthday, and I have been writing his memoirs since before I joined FS. one of my difficulties has always been how to SHOW how remarkable he was. Perhaps now I will finally be able to bein to do his life justice. Thank you so much for this gift you have prepared for us. Kate xx
Comment Written 12-Apr-2022
reply by the author on 12-Apr-2022
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Many thanks, Kate. I'm trying to keep these posts short and manageable as learning and trying this things can become overwhelming. Much appreciated. G
Comment from Shirley McLain
Another great education piece of writing. I don't recall ever hearing of the iceberg theory, but there is a lot I haven't heard about writing. You did a great job. Enjoy your day. Shirley
reply by the author on 12-Apr-2022
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Another great education piece of writing. I don't recall ever hearing of the iceberg theory, but there is a lot I haven't heard about writing. You did a great job. Enjoy your day. Shirley
Comment Written 12-Apr-2022
reply by the author on 12-Apr-2022
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Many thanks, Shirley. G
Comment from royowen
What a good idea, I've never attended a teaching on creative writing, but one learns a thing or two from simply being "on the job" and.it's much appreciated that you've written this for the benefit of those that are learning and looking for good advice, well done G, blessings Roy
reply by the author on 12-Apr-2022
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What a good idea, I've never attended a teaching on creative writing, but one learns a thing or two from simply being "on the job" and.it's much appreciated that you've written this for the benefit of those that are learning and looking for good advice, well done G, blessings Roy
Comment Written 12-Apr-2022
reply by the author on 12-Apr-2022
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Much appreciated, Roy. G
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Welcome
Comment from Malcolm Rothery
Thank you again, I will take all this on board.
Problem is, I suppose, that we are all critics, all wanting something different. I have struggled to read Dickens as it does not grab me - though I love the films and tv series.
As well as what you have talked about, I think pacing is also very important in grabbing the reader, using past as well as present to keep the story moving forward. Perhaps Part 3......?
reply by the author on 12-Apr-2022
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Thank you again, I will take all this on board.
Problem is, I suppose, that we are all critics, all wanting something different. I have struggled to read Dickens as it does not grab me - though I love the films and tv series.
As well as what you have talked about, I think pacing is also very important in grabbing the reader, using past as well as present to keep the story moving forward. Perhaps Part 3......?
Comment Written 12-Apr-2022
reply by the author on 12-Apr-2022
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The thing with all of these theories etc is balance. Pacing is a big issue and I will look at that and scene mechanics at some point. G
Comment from Sandra Stoner-Mitchell
That is really interesting, again, and I've already copied and pasted those exercises and will try them when my head is clearer. Showing can certainly change the way a book, sentence, paragraph, anything reads. I'm enjoying your lessons, Gareth, and I'll have fun applying them to my own writing. Wam hugs, Sandra. xxx
I have Covid and was late posting this week. It took me twice as long to write it than it usually does. I've had all my vaccines, too! I guess they have saved me having it as bad as some.
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reply by the author on 12-Apr-2022
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That is really interesting, again, and I've already copied and pasted those exercises and will try them when my head is clearer. Showing can certainly change the way a book, sentence, paragraph, anything reads. I'm enjoying your lessons, Gareth, and I'll have fun applying them to my own writing. Wam hugs, Sandra. xxx
I have Covid and was late posting this week. It took me twice as long to write it than it usually does. I've had all my vaccines, too! I guess they have saved me having it as bad as some.
This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
Comment Written 12-Apr-2022
reply by the author on 12-Apr-2022
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Covid is a bugger. I've had it twice now. trying to keep these posts neat and manageable. All the best G
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I know, it's horrid, isn't it. Hey, did you realise you haven't read my latest, greatest, amazing chapter, that I wrote whilst dying of Covid just to please you!! xxxx
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I've been at work for the last 48 hours so I haven't been on! lol I will check it out.
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Aww, Sorry, I'll let off! Lol. You go careful, you can overdo it, you know. xxx
Comment from Lloyd T. Okoko
Thanks for sharing this. It affords me an added knowledge.
The primacy of taking advantage of the "iceberg theory" and applying it in one's creative mill cannot be overemphasized, more so, as it affords room for the work to proliferate. Your work highlights this as an unavoidable imperative.
The work earns its texture through its effective use of anecdotes reminiscent of the iceberg theory.
Excellent work. Bravo.
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The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
reply by the author on 12-Apr-2022
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Thanks for sharing this. It affords me an added knowledge.
The primacy of taking advantage of the "iceberg theory" and applying it in one's creative mill cannot be overemphasized, more so, as it affords room for the work to proliferate. Your work highlights this as an unavoidable imperative.
The work earns its texture through its effective use of anecdotes reminiscent of the iceberg theory.
Excellent work. Bravo.
This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
Comment Written 12-Apr-2022
reply by the author on 12-Apr-2022
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Many thanks, my friend.
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Remain Blessed.
