S5_E16. Show, Don’t Tell: Give the Clues, Not the Police Report

“Show, Don’t Tell” is a rule all writers know — but few truly understand. In this episode of The Storyteller’s Mission, Zena Dell Lowe unpacks this essential writing principle in a way that’s instantly clear and applicable.

Using a powerful metaphor — give the clues, not the police report — Zena walks you through what it means to let your audience discover key information alongside your characters, rather than simply feeding it to them.

Whether you’re writing novels, screenplays, or anything in between, this episode will help you:
✅ Avoid passive storytelling
✅ Turn exposition into discovery
✅ Use behavior, visuals, and subtext to deepen your scenes
✅ Keep your audience emotionally invested

Key Takeaway:
Readers want to participate. If you spell everything out, you rob them of the joy of discovery. By learning to give the clues (not the police report), you’ll craft stories that resonate — and keep your audience coming back for more.

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