”Last time we were talking about the dangers of purple prose. Now, I would like to explain, “over-explanation”.
The first fact is that your readers are not stupid. If you overexplain something, they tend to believe, that the writer considers them stupid. Give your readers the benefit of doubt and let them intuit the point of the dialogue. The “Show, Don’t Tell” rule is right here.
Instead of:
“I’m sad,” Jack said sorrowfully.
Write:
“I’m sad,” Jack said.
Last week I read The Kite Runner from Khaled Hosseini and I was very impressed. It is a thriller indeed, a sad, historical thriller with a lot of truth.
“Set between Afghanistan and the US, it is the story of
two boys who grew up together in a peaceful but prejudiced Kabul, which changes
dramatically when the Taliban arrives. However, the friendship between the
boys, the privileged Amir and his friend and Hassan, the son of his father’s
servant, has already been shattered by the cruelty of others, and of Amir
himself.
Years later and having fled the Taliban to America, Amir continues to suffer
from his behaviour towards Hassan and his father. When the opportunity for
redemption arises, he embraces it, regardless of the risks.” Read more
info about book here: http://readability.com.au/2018/11/27/book-review-the-kite-runner-by-khaled-hosseini/
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