I enjoyed a wonderful example of show not tell this week, which was a lesson not just to writers but everyone.
Fortunate am I in being asked to give a few talks to try to inspire young people towards careers in journalism and writing. And this week I experienced one of the finest.
Who can fail to be uplifted when they walk into a classroom and find these on the walls -
That was in front of me the whole time I did the talk. While behind me, for the youngsters to remember -
They were messages from my own heart, great companions for the talk.
And the posters hadn't just been put up for my visit. Oh no.
Those two were part of a collection, many of which I could have cited as wonderful examples of the school ethos. And all in a show not tell style.
For the record, it was The King's School, in Ottery St Mary. And the students and staff were all a joy to work with.
The next time I need to set a scene in a school, I shall remember my visit and the way to show (not tell) the kind of a school it is.
And finally for this blog, how did the talk go?
In keeping with the spirit of this musing, I won't tell you. Allow me to show you instead -