Details make a scene vivid and convincing. Writers say using details is ‘showing,’ because through these sensory perceptions, the reader sees, hears, smells, tastes and touches the scene. Showing creates a sense of ‘being there.’ In contrast to showing is ‘telling.’ Telling is interpreting for readers, and there is always a feeling of distance or detachment when writers are telling. Play with showing vs. telling. Find a paragraph of descriptive writing and replace the details with generalizations. Post the original and your generalized revision.
