All Episodes

August 7, 2025 9 mins

“Show, Don’t Tell” is one of the most common pieces of writing advice — but also one of the most misunderstood. What does it really mean? And how do you actually do it?

In this episode, Zena Dell Lowe shares a crisp, actionable breakdown that goes beyond flowery description. Using a brilliant metaphor — "give the clues, not the police report" — Zena shows how to shift your writing from passive to powerful.

What you’ll learn:

  • Why simply describing something still isn’t “showing”
  • How discovery transforms exposition into drama
  • The one mistake that makes readers check out
  • Visual storytelling, subtext, and behavioral cues that work
  • How to engage your audience by making them active participants

🎁 BONUS: Want to write stories that keep your audience hooked?
Download Zena’s free training video on the 7 Deadly Plot Points Every Story Needs 


This question came straight from Zena’s monthly office hours, which are open to anyone who’s ever purchased one of her classes. Want access like this? Check out her courses and join the mission. Learn more at The Storyteller’s Mission.


Seven Deadly Plot Points FREE TRAINING VIDEO


#screenwriting #writingtips #storytellersmission #authorlife #screenwriteradvice #StorytellersMission #WritingAdvice #CharacterDevelopment

Send us a text

Support the show

Mark as Played

Advertise With Us

Popular Podcasts

Fudd Around And Find Out

Fudd Around And Find Out

UConn basketball star Azzi Fudd brings her championship swag to iHeart Women’s Sports with Fudd Around and Find Out, a weekly podcast that takes fans along for the ride as Azzi spends her final year of college trying to reclaim the National Championship and prepare to be a first round WNBA draft pick. Ever wonder what it’s like to be a world-class athlete in the public spotlight while still managing schoolwork, friendships and family time? It’s time to Fudd Around and Find Out!

Crime Junkie

Crime Junkie

Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.

The Breakfast Club

The Breakfast Club

The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, And Charlamagne Tha God!

Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.