MASTERING SHOW VS. TELL - LET AI HELP YOU BRING SCENES TO LIFE [Post 10-A]

Transform Flat Descriptions into Vivid Story Moments Using AI

Jan 14, 2025

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Every writer has heard the advice, "show, don't tell." But knowing how to transform basic statements into engaging scenes that pull readers into your story world isn't always easy. That's where Claude AI can help as your "showing" mentor, helping you discover multiple ways to describe your scenes with word pictures.

Today, I'll show you how to use Claude AI to transform telling statements into showing scenes that engage readers' senses and emotions. Whether you're describing a character's fear, setting up an important location, or revealing key story information, you'll learn how to make your scenes come alive on the page.

Showing can help us in these ways”

Transform flat descriptions into vivid scenes
Convert character emotions into observable actions
Turn basic facts into engaging revelations
Keep readers invested in your story world

Ready to master the art of showing? Let's explore how AI can help you create scenes that readers can clearly see in their minds.

Understanding Show vs. Tell: The Basics

At its heart, showing means letting readers experience your story rather than just giving them information about it. Think of it like the difference between someone telling you about a delicious meal and actually tasting it yourself. When you show, you use specific details, sensory information, and character actions to help readers live the story moment by moment.

The key principle is that showing creates emotional connection. When readers can see, hear, smell, taste, and feel what's happening in your story, they become more invested in your characters and their journey. Instead of telling readers "Sarah was angry," you show them Sarah slamming doors, clenching fists, or speaking through gritted teeth.

One of the challenges writers face with showing is finding the right balance. Too much telling creates distance and boredom, but too much showing can slow your story's pace or overwhelm readers with details. This is where Claude AI can help you explore different ways to show information while maintaining good story flow.

Let me show you how Claude AI can help you transform telling into showing that keeps readers engaged.

Ai in Action: A Simple Show vs. Tell Example

Here’s how Claude AI can help us change telling into showing.

MY PROMPT:

Claude, change this telling statement into showing: John was nervous about his job interview.'

CLAUDE'S RESPONSE:

“Version 1 - Physical Signs:

John's fingers drummed against his portfolio as he waited in the lobby. Every few seconds, he tugged at his tie, then checked his reflection in the chrome elevator doors to make sure it was straight. The receptionist called his name, and he had to clear his throat twice before he could answer.

Version 2 - Internal Experience:

John's heartbeat seemed to echo in the quiet lobby, each thud a countdown to the interview. The coffee he'd drunk earlier churned in his stomach. When the receptionist called his name, the rehearsed answers he'd practiced all morning vanished like smoke.

Version 3 - Environment and Action:

John arrived twenty minutes early, then spent ten minutes circling the block to avoid looking too eager. Now he sat perfectly still in the lobby chair, his polished shoes aligned exactly with the floor tiles. The plant beside him still trembled from where he'd bumped it while checking his tie for the fifth time.”

FOLLOW-UP PROMPT:

Please show me three different ways he might handle his nervousness during the actual interview.

CLAUDE'S RESPONSE:

“1. He kept his hands folded tightly in his lap to hide their shaking, focusing on the interviewer's left ear because direct eye contact felt too intense.

2. His answers came out too fast, words tumbling over each other as he tried to remember everything he'd practiced, until he forced himself to pause and take a slow breath.

3. He sat so rigidly straight that his back ached, nodding too enthusiastically at every question while his dress shoes squeaked against the floor as he resisted the urge to fidget.”

This example shows how AI can help you explore different ways to show the same information. Now let's explore how to apply this to your own story.

How to Use These Prompts in Your Fiction Writing

A. AI Implementation

Try these prompts with Claude AI:

"Transform this telling statement into showing: [your statement]"

"Show me three different ways to reveal [emotion/situation]"

"Help me describe [character reaction] through actions and sensory details"

"Turn this basic description into an engaging scene: [your description]"

B. Action Items

1. Choose a scene to convert:

· Find a "telling" passage in your writing

· Identify what information needs to be shown

· Consider the emotional impact you want

· Ask Claude AI to give suggestions for showing this information

2. Current Status:

a) Identify what's being told directly

b) Note the emotional moments

c) Identify the important information

d) List key details that need to be shown

3. Areas for Development:

· Characters’ reactions

· Sensory details

· Environmental description

· Action and movement

C. Success Markers

You know you're showing effectively when:

· Readers can picture the scene

· Emotions feel authentic

· Information flows naturally

· The scene creates engagement

· Actions reveal personality

Implementation Tip: Start with one small scene that needs to be converted from telling to showing. Look for places where you've directly stated an emotion or situation. Then use Claude AI to help you explore different ways to show that information through action, dialogue, and sensory details.

Good showing makes readers feel like they're experiencing the story alongside your characters.

Conclusion

Transforming telling into showing isn't about following rigid rules - it's about bringing your readers into your story world. Today, you've learned how to use AI to explore different ways of showing emotions, describing scenes, and revealing information that keeps readers engaged. Whether you're working with characters’ reactions, setting descriptions, or important story revelations, you now have tools to create vivid, engaging scenes.

Every memorable story moment comes from showing readers what's happening rather than just telling them about it. With Claude AI as your brainstorming partner, you can discover multiple ways to bring each scene to life.

Coming Up Next

In Thursday's paid post, we'll dive deeper into advanced showing techniques. You'll discover how to handle complex emotions, weave background information naturally into scenes, and create moments that readers will remember. Plus, you'll get specialized prompts for crafting scenes that reveal character depth while moving your plot forward.

Next Tuesday, we'll discuss setting basics. We’ll discuss how to create vivid story locations that support and enhance your scenes. Get ready to build worlds your readers can clearly visualize.

Ready to Transform Your Scenes from Telling to Showing?

Here’s what you can do right now:

1. If you haven't done so, sign up for Claude AI 3.5 Sonnet Pro at Anthropic’s website. You want the option that says "Meet Claude 3.5 Sonnet."

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3. Share your thoughts: What’s your most significant (or current) writing challenge? Comment below and tell me what AI writing tips you’d like to see in future newsletters.

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Until next time, let's stay productive and creative,

-Elaine

P.S. Feel free to email me at Elaine@TheWrittenLink.com. Please put "Companion" in the subject line.