If you want to write better stories: Show, not tell
It’s what I constantly repeat to participants I train at my digital storytelling workshops.
Don’t say: “The father was anxious.”
Say instead: “The father paced up and down the living room. He kept the lights on waiting for the phone to ring or the door to open.”
Don’t say: “The little girl is happy.”
Say instead: “The six-year old girl squealed with delight as she skipped, hopped, and jumped in the rain.”
Let your audience come to the conclusion for themselves when they read your description (the father was anxious, the little girl was happy).
Pixar’s Movie Producer, Andrew Stanton said, “Don’t give your audience 4. Give them 2 + 2.” Make it fun for your audience. Give them the data and let them work it out.
Story and Design Tips are things I will be sharing in this blog. They are ideas I hope you will find useful.