Magic & Sci-fi Writing: Show, Don't Tell - NOUNS

Magic & Sci-fi Writing: Show, Don't Tell - NOUNS

Strong show-don't-tell sentences in magic & sci-fi writing rely on descriptions, not labels.

Don't use character types or moves from video games or movies. Instead, describe your own with action verbs & sensory details.

Instead of writing the name of your monster (werewolf, vampire, etc.), describe its SHAPE, COLOR and/or TEXTURE.

Multiple Choice

Choose the best revision for this sentence: The goblin looked creepy.

• A very creepy green monster came.

• Green flaps of skin hung from its fingers.

Multiple Choice

Choose the best revision for this sentence: She did reverse-wand twirl.

• She spun around and pointed her wand behind her back.

• She got a lot of mana points.

Open Ended

Revise this telling sentence WITHOUT using the word WITCH or LOOK/ED. Show ACTION!

The witch looked weird.

Open Ended

Describe any part of this image WITH an ACTION VERB (no is, are, was, were; no had, have, has; no go, goes, went) and WITHOUT using the word ZOMBIE.