When strewn together, words can create a masterpiece of pleasure, insight and escape. In some way or another, the power of words move us to a higher emotional level, whether it comes in a positive or negative form. It was Rudyard Kipling who said, “Words are, of course, the most powerful drug used by mankind.” I agree with his statement. Words can persuade the most heinous of crimes by overturning government, annihilating people or a cause, and inflaming prejudices. They are dangerous and empowering.
“The words. Why did they have to exist? Without them, there wouldn’t be any of this.” – Markus Zusak, The Book Thief
The above quote is referring to Adolph Hitler. All Hitler used were words to coerce others to join in his personal crusade against the Jews, and inflict fear all around him. It’s a perfect example of Kipling’s quote.
Whether the story is fiction or non-fiction, life plays a vital role in weaving words into narrative. Life is a writer’s research. I believe writing is a way writers share their life with the world using dramatic flair and making the mundane spectacular. Words connect us. I picked some of my favorite author quotes to help show how writers benefit from life. We all have a story to tell. When we observe the smallest of details to a catastrophic event, these observations are what help us create. Writers absorb the fractures, triumphs, cynicism, shock, and compassion in humanity, and then drain the words onto paper as if experiencing it at that moment.
- “Childhood devotions make unfaithful and fickle lovers.” – Carlos Ruiz Zafon The Shadow of the Wind
- “Books are mirrors: you only see in them what you already have inside you.” – Carlos Ruiz Zafon The Shadow of the Wind
- “But time binds us to aging flesh.” – Don DeLillo Underworld
These quotes are from two different generation authors. Their words ring true to life. Very few things in childhood remain with us into adulthood. I agree with Carlos Ruiz Zafon regarding books are mirrors. Where we are in our lives, and how we feel when reading a book, are the components that make or break the reading experience.
Don DeLillo’s quote made me think of aging and how my body has changed over time. The words he uses are beautiful and sad. When I read Underworld, I finished feeling unsatisfied. I sometimes think I should read it again to see how it would affect me at this age.
- “Her name hung in the air for a bit like the loose strands of a cobweb.” – Dennis Lehane Mystic River
- “Heat rose from the streets with the intensity of a child’s fever.” – Erik Larson Devil in the White City
- “Louisiana in September was like an obscene phone call from nature. The air-moist, sultry, secretive, and far from fresh.” – Tom Robbins The Jitterbug Perfume
All of these quotes show the reader the moment, character or setting. The beauty of writing is visualizing new people and worlds, and transferring that visualization onto the reader. In a sense, the ability to show is what the writer should gain from life. I have read many debates regarding show vs. tell. Some writers think show is overrated, and that telling is true to the idea of ‘storytelling.’ As a reader and writer, I don’t feel show is overrated or that telling is all you need. Like everything else in life, books need a balance between show vs. tell. Writers can’t show everything or it would bog down the story, and they shouldn’t just tell it because it robs the reader of imagination.
Show isn’t a guarantee the book will receive high praise, but I can assure you it will leave an impression. With the way Dennis Lehane describes her name, you can actually picture the delicate name hanging like a cobweb. I’ve watched smoke rise from the street, but I never thought to compare it to a child’s fever. It’s a new way of looking at it. What wonderful discoveries these writers shared with the world? The Jitterbug Perfume wasn’t a favorite of mine, but I remembered it by the way Robbins explored the simplest of things such as the atmosphere of a city. I’ve never been to Louisiana, but Tom Robbins warns me about the weather in September.
While I write and revise, I try to keep in mind that show gives characters and plot depth. Tell helps with backstory and keeps the story moving. There’s a time to tell and a time to show. The most obvious time I avoid telling is when my story mentions a character could “tell” something. After I reread it, a bell goes off in my head that asks, “How can they tell?” Chuck Palahniuk refers to these as thought verbs (thinks, knows, believe) that can be shown through sensory detail.
- “The difference between poets and novelists is this-that the former write for the life of the language-and the latter write for the betterment of the world.” – A.S. Byatt Possession
- “Life is war. An endless sequence of battles, conflicts, ambushes, skirmishes, with all too-brief interludes of peace.” – J.R. Moehringer The Tender Bar
Show also has a way of making the reader think about what the author has written. A.S. Byatt had me analyzing her words days after I read Possession. In a sense, poets do bring language to life by using specific words. As for the novelist, I still haven’t concluded that all write for the betterment of the world. J.R. Moehringer’s words stayed with me for a while, but not so much about life being war. I’d like to think that peace lasts in our lives with pauses for battles, conflicts and ambushes.
I hope my writing will resonate with readers and stay with them long after they finish the end. It’s important I remember to live so I can discover the details, which will help me string words together for a beautiful composition. Winston Churchill wrote, “History will be kind to me for I intend to write it myself.” It’s not a bad way to make history. Even though I won’t be writing myself into history books, I can live life to the fullest and make it meaningful.
There’s one last thing I’d like to leave you with regarding my thoughts on writing. From Markus Zusak’s The Book Thief, “I have hated words and I have loved them, and I hope I have made them right.” With this writing and others, I do hope that I have made the words right. Thanks for stopping by.
The power of words impacts each of us in different ways. What writer’s words have most made an impression on you? What impact do you hope your writing makes on readers?
Please consider reading my book review of her novel Net Switch and the review I posted of her poetry collection Sipping a Mix of Verse. In addition, an author interview with her has also appeared on this blog.
The images used in this post are for promotional purposes and comply with fair use guidelines.
Article by Denise Baer
This post is making me long to go back and reread Mystic River! The power of descriptions and the key difference between SHOW and TELL are at the heart of storytelling.
Candy, I’ve thought about reading Mystic River again. I believe Dennis Lehane has a way of taking an ordinary way of life and making it extraordinary.
Opus Of Writing is very thought provoking so in my case at least mission accomplished. Although aware of being influenced on different levels I have not previously defined these as show and tell. This clarifies why some of the show phrases or passages that I find most memorable come from works where the tell plot was quite ordinary and equally why some excellent premises make hard work of reading.A Fine Balance now has a whole new meaning for me ! Thanks Denise for the insight and Jeri for sharing. I never leave here without feeling enlightened.
Paul, Thank you for stopping by and commenting. I’m glad it gave you a new insight to the balance of show vs. tell.
I love these examples of ‘Show & Tell’. They make so much sense. I would never have thought about these terms when I am reading, but they make reading much more enjoyable. I love these posts! They make me think! 🙂
Cheryl, When I read a book, I underline description or phrases that are different and/or move me. I had so many other quotes, but I scrapped many so I wouldn’t lose the reader.
Love the show and tell and Carlos Ruiz Zafon’s The Shadow of the Wind is one of my all time favorite books. But the ability to impart joy and despair with mere words is a powerful testament to their strength and beauty. And I have long believed the the best writers are the best observers. And it’s also the reason why there are few to none prodigies in writing…I believe that you have to live a full life, an observant life before you can truly write with depth :)My opinion…………I loved this post Jeri!
Jacqueline, The Shadow of the Wind was the book that made me want to become a writer. It’s one of my all-time favorites too. You are so right when you said, “the best writers are the best observers.”
I’ve always admired writers who have a way with words – I’m more of a story teller. For me it’s all about the characters and the action. But maybe someday I’ll chance upon a great sequence of words – just one would be lovely! Great blog, Jeri – looking forward to the Yosemite trip stories. We flew over Yosemite on our way back from Vegas – it was spectacular.
Jan, I think how we learn to write is dependent upon our likes and dislikes as a reader. The books I’ve read and currently enjoy are glorious when it comes to how the author describes or shows a character. It’s something I work on in my own writing.
Fantastic post Denise – and I love the quote from Carlos Ruiz Zafon. How many times has one read a book , and thought – yeah, that’s what I was thinking, but hadn’t verbalized it to yourself. You also make some excellent points re: show v. tell. Show is very powerful and essential, but you’re right , there does need to be some tell & not necessarily just through a section of exposition. I guess getting the balance right is the mark of a good writer. All I can say to that is -I’m trying:-) Thanks to both you & Jeri for such an excellent post.
A.K. Andrew, Glad you like the post. How a writer can show a character or setting makes it a powerful read. I’ve recently read several books, traditional and self-published, where the entire book is told with weak verbs and little to none visualization. It is difficult to balance between show vs. tell, and like you, I’m still trying.
One of my favorite writers years ago was Pat Conroy. His detailed descriptions took the reader to a place where his words almost touched the cusp of dismissing imagination; but not quite. There are other authors who I think describe in too much detail and show too much. Like most I prefer to fill in the blanks and be guided by the story; not shown it like a film.
Tim, Yes, too much show can leave a reader exhausted, which is why a balance is needed. I can’t deal with a lot of description either like I can’t deal with all tell.
Finding that balance is the harest task. Aside from what is found with the words left in the story, but also what words are left out. It is a gamble most times to hope that the viewer uses the same words, the same thoughts, that we left out, when they approach the story.
Jon, that’s very true about leaving the words out. Readers may view the story as we had not intended.
What you said about books being mirrors is something I discovered when becoming certified as a coach. I looked at my bookshelves one day and realized, so many of the titles, were not me any more. It became an almost instant motivator to declutter!
Love this blog post.
Patricia, I’ve read books years later and wondered how I loved the book so much.
Interesting post, Denise! I have re-read books that I read when I was much younger and found that I had deeper levels of understanding with my older age (not that I’m saying I’m old, lol). I hope my written words also resonate with readers long after they are read, and that different layers of meaning are felt. Thanks for the thoughtfulness of your post!
Christy, there have been a few books I felt a connection to because of things going on in my life at the time, but many other readers dislike them.
I just watched the movie of The Book Thief last night and plan to start the book soon. How precious the books were. How horrible the book burning. I just wrote a book and wonder if anyone will love my book!
Beth, I saw the movie, too, and although it was good, I don’t think it lives up to the book.
A very interesting guest post … And I enjoyed your insights as to the experience of reading…
Also truly interesting that you chose that quote from “The Book Thief”, an engaged perspective as It is related to a very harsh topic…Even though, I believe that actions were more relevant than words in that particular context.
Thanks for sharing this interesting post, Denise.
Aquileana 🙂
Aquileana, I was’t trying to make light of the Nazi era. I just wanted to show a link between words and Hitler even beginning his crusade, but the actions were definitely much more relevant than the words.
This is an excellent analysis! It reminds of the beautiful, lyrical prose of Rosamunde Pilcher! Some writers weave a magical web of words, which entangles us and the effect never wears off!
Thank you Jeri, for hosting such a special guest! Such articles are so rare! Loved reading it.
Balroop, There are books where I read and sit in awe of the “magical web of words” they create. Such artistic beauty.
My wonderful critique partners are never slow to point out when I could be scenically rendering something, instead of telling. 🙂
Just recently read The Book Thief. Such fantastic character development, even for the minor characters. They were all so rich.
Laura, My critique partner does the same, and I’m thankful to say she points out when I have shown something to her liking.
Jeri – I really learn a lot from your posts and from what I`ve read in the previous comments, so day many others. I could listen or read Winston Churchill quotes all day long – he truly did have the power of words. Thanks for including him.
Lenie
Lenie, I agree about Churchill having the power of words.
This quote from your article, Denise, moves me and resonates, “Writers absorb the fractures, triumphs, cynicism, shock, and compassion in humanity, and then drain the words onto paper as if experiencing it at that moment.”
It’s why I read. Your quotes by other writers, especially by Larson and Lehane make me gasp in awe at their grasp of metaphor. The Book Thief remains one of my favorite books.
Jagoda, I appreciate you letting me know how my words affected you. The Book Thief made me cry during so many moments, and POW, the end knocked the wind out of me. It’s one of my favorite books, too. Markus Zusak couldn’t have picked a better narrator than death.
I love the idea of showing a reader something. I’m sure different people prefer different writing styles, but I really respond to a visual way of writing, such as the cobweb quote from Dennis Lehane. It makes a visceral impression on you, and you remember it. And who doesn’t want their writing to be remembered?
Meredith, It’s funny you mention writing styles. Someone else said the same, and it got me thinking because I always thought all writers should show. I thought the balance of show and tell, creating vivid characters and beautiful backdrops are the essence of a true writer. But show isn’t limited to creating beautiful metaphors. The reader also gets a sense of character through dialogue. You are right when you ask, “Who doesn’t want their writing to be remembered?”
Jeri- When I read Denise’s post I thought of the musical “My Fair Lady” and the song “Words, Words, Words”. One of the versus is Don’t talk of June, Don’t talk of fall!
Don’t talk at all! Show me! To me a well written book does just that. It is words that show me. There is nothing like the power of words and how they are used.
Arleen, I haven’t seen that movie in a long time and I didn’t remember the song. I’ll have to find it on YouTube.
Beautiful, informative post.
I loved every single word. thank you.
I want to finish a book and still taste the beauty of the words upon my lips.
One of those rare books for me was Lolita.
“Lolita, light of my life, fire of my loins. My sin, my soul. Lo-lee-ta: the tip of the tongue taking a trip of three steps down the palate to tap, at three, on the teeth. Lo. Lee. Ta.”
My Inner Chick, Love the name and the quote from Lolita. It’s great.
I absolutely love Nabokov’s Lolita!
Denise, thanks for writing such a rich post with so many personal connections for readers to make. Even though I saw the movie Mystic River when it first come out, I didn’t realize the author is the same person who wrote one of my favorite short stories “Until Gwen.” I’ve always been drawn to darker subject matter, but for the ironic reason that I think the kernels of truth such fiction can reveal about humanity are well worth it.
Jeri, Thank you for this great opportunity to meet your readers and share my thoughts. It was enriching.
As a poet I disagree with the quote,“The difference between poets and novelists is this-that the former write for the life of the language-and the latter write for the betterment of the world,” by A.S. Byatt Possession, because I believe I do both, always writing for the life of the language but more lately with part I of my recent book, for the betterment of the world.
Michele, Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Words allow us to think and interpret their meaning. That quote is definitely debatable.
What gorgeous examples Denise provides. Her advice around show and tell is so simple and so smart. She made me want to write.
Debra, that is awesome that ‘my words’ made you want to write. What a wonderful compliment to a writer. Thank you.
Getting the balance between show and tell is important, an art that I think can be learned over time. I can’t single out any particular writer whose words have made a great impression on me. I so often come across words and phrases that speak to me. I am always a little in awe of those writers who convey meaning and life in between the words, things that aren’t said, but still somehow conveyed between the words.
The balance is important. I work on it all the time, along with the balance of a few cookies as oppose to the entire box. 🙂
I loved The Book Thief and in particular that quote, “The words. Why did they have to exist? Without them, there wouldn’t be any of this.” Words are very powerful and some writers are just truly gifted in the art of storytelling and the balance of show versus tell.
Susan, This book leaves a reader thinking about it days after they put it down. I loved this book, too, I think making Death the narrator for such a horrible time in history was ingenious.
I love the movie The Book thief and the book! I know a book is good when I am reading it and it has my attention 100 percent. I love words and I love stories. I usually like when I feel like I am reliving the story with the character. I can feel what they are feeling. When that happens, the reader has got me till the last page. Great post! =)
Thanks for stopping by and commenting, Crystal. I’m with you about reliving the story with the characters.
I really enjoyed your starting off with discussing the power of words. Words can make people think, feel or do almost anything. It’s amazing, and kind of mind-warping to think of.
I absolutely agree the statement that books are like mirrors: nothing so true. How many times when reading a book we thought that it was exactly what we were thinking of! When words come in the ‘right moment’.
Great post Denise. Since I started writing I have enjoyed the process of taking a journey in writing something every week. I see myself take a journey as I write. And then I take another journey as I see comments come in as I am made aware of something further to what I said. Words are indeed powerful. I have seen myself travel to places I have never been while just reading fellow bloggers posts.
Words and images do have a power to capture an imagination. That is something that I struggle with everyday, and probably one of the reasons why I am procrastinating on my writing. Not to say that I have a burden on my shoulder to create the next masterpiece, but I’m my biggest critique of my writing. Perhaps I’m not visual enough, or descriptive enough, or funny enough, or deep enough. (Sigh) If only I could put the words in the right order. Thoughtful post!