Show Don't Tell

Show, don't tell. Writers hear this a lot. Show the reader, don't tell them. It's the difference between recapping the events for the reader and engulfing the reader in an experience.

But what does "show, don't tell" mean?

Let's first look at telling. This is when the prose states the bare bones of what happens. She prepared for the party.

Showing is the opposite. The prose provides details of everything that happens. She arranged the warm cookies on the silver tray.

Consider what is omitted when you tell: actions, setting, plot twists, etc. It may be that there is nothing to gain by showing that the character cooked the cookies or that she owns a silver tray. On the other hand, that silver tray may be essential to the plot later on.

This is where you must be a writer. It is up to you to determine what is relevant to your story. This also is part of what editors and agents will be gaging when they review your submission - your ability to show and tell at the appropriate times.