When to Tell & Not Show
Crafting Language Mary Kehoe Crafting Language Mary Kehoe

When to Tell & Not Show

Someone mentioned to me the other day that there was a healthy debate going on in their writing group between showing versus telling as a narrative approach. To writers who have heard the refrain “show, don’t tell,” throughout their careers, this might be a bit of a shock. It would seem that not all are in agreement about what is often considered a writing standard.

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Passive & Active Voice
Crafting Language Mary Kehoe Crafting Language Mary Kehoe

Passive & Active Voice

Why is it that people laud active voice while passive voice is derided? Is it a rule or preference to favour one over the other? To put it simply, if there wasn’t a use for a particular style, it wouldn’t exist, so let’s examine these more closely.

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How to Write Captivating Sentences
Crafting Language Mary Kehoe Crafting Language Mary Kehoe

How to Write Captivating Sentences

A writer might be describing the best thing since sliced bread, but if their sentences are dull, readers aren’t likely to stay engaged. The way the words sit on the page and on the tips of our tongue can enchant a reader.

Though some kinds of writing are meant to be perfunctory, there is room for art in many instances.

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