Mastering “Show, Don’t Tell”

Live attendance is not required: enrollees can watch the recording at any time after the workshop!

“Show, don’t tell” is far and away one of the most common pieces of writing advice. You’ve probably heard it a hundred times by now!

But what does that phrase really mean? It turns out that “show, don’t tell” is one of the most misunderstood pieces of advice writers ever receive.

Writers think they know what it means — and then go on to “tell” anyway, without realizing it, leading to flat, boring writing that puts readers to sleep.

Join author, developmental editor, and book coach Jacquelin Cangro in this in-depth 2-hour workshop where she’ll teach you exactly what it means to show and not tell. In a combination of lessons, examples from published books, and in-class exercises, you’ll unpack this writing advice so you’ll understand:

• When to show and when to tell

• The difference between showing and telling on a story level and on a sentence level

• The categories of showing on the story level

• How word choices can impact the reader’s experience

...and much more. At the end of the workshop you’ll have mastered the methods and techniques bestselling authors use to implement this age-old writing advice that nearly every beginning writer totally misunderstands.

Zoom schedule

Everyone enrolled in this webinar will receive a copy of the recording afterwards, so you can review it later in case you missed it.

• Saturday November 16, 2024 1:00pm US Central time — 2 hours

How this workshop works

This workshop is a live Zoom webinar. Sign in from anywhere in the world and participate live as the instructor conducts the workshop, with time for Q&A at the end.

Student praise for Jacquelin Cangro

Jackie’s enthusiasm, energy and humor made the class a pleasure; she was fun to spend time with.

Excellent. Jackie’s exercises were really helpful. I felt that this one class pushed my novel forward more than any class I’ve ever taken. And she was so kind and fun to listen to.

Class was a solid A. Jackie knows her subject and presented it so well and in a perfect sequence. Jackie addressed all questions and [the class] was managed better than any remote class I have had. Excellent instructor. Will take more of her classes.

Excellent! Jackie taught this class very well with loads of useful information for a beginning writer. I enjoyed her teaching style since she’s very kind, patient, inclusive, thorough, supportive, and thoughtful. Jackie’s responses to my questions were always quick and appreciated. Great teacher, great class!

Questions about this class?

We’re happy to answer any questions you might have!

• Contact us and a real person will get back to you ASAP.

About Jacquelin Cangro

With more than twenty years of experience at Penguin Random House and Simon & Schuster, Jacquelin Cangro is a seasoned developmental editor, creative writing instructor, and book coach. She provides guidance, feedback, and accountability for dedicated fiction and narrative nonfiction writers. Learn more at jacquelincangro.com.