Show Don't Tell
"Show, Don’t Tell" is a short story by Curtis Sittenfeld, an acclaimed American author known for her sharp, character-driven narratives. Published in The New Yorker in 2017, the story exemplifies Sittenfeld’s knack for blending humor, social observation, and emotional depth. It centers on a creative writing workshop at a fictional Midwestern university, where the protagonist, an unnamed female graduate student, navigates the dynamics of her peers, her instructor, and her own insecurities.
The title nods to the classic writing adage "show, don’t tell," which urges writers to reveal character and emotion through actions and sensory details rather than exposition. Sittenfeld cleverly uses this framework to structure the story itself, immersing readers in the protagonist’s world through vivid scenes rather than over-explaining her inner state. The workshop setting serves as a microcosm of human interaction, filled with subtle power plays, awkward flirtations, and the quiet desperation of aspiring artists.
The protagonist, a self-conscious but observant young woman, grapples with her place in the group as they critique one another’s work. Her instructor, a pompous yet charismatic figure named Dr. Cooley, embodies the archetype of the self-important academic, while her classmates—ranging from the pretentious to the earnest—mirror the eclectic mix often found in such settings. A key moment unfolds when the protagonist’s own story, a thinly veiled account of a past relationship, is workshopped, exposing her vulnerabilities and forcing her to confront the gap between her lived experience and how others perceive it.
Sittenfeld’s prose is crisp and economical, laced with wry humor that underscores the absurdity of the creative process. The story also explores themes of authenticity, gender dynamics, and the tension between art and ego, all while maintaining a light touch. By the end, the protagonist doesn’t undergo a dramatic transformation but gains a quiet, hard-earned clarity—a hallmark of Sittenfeld’s restrained yet resonant storytelling.
"Show, Don’t Tell" is a masterclass in its own right, both a tribute to and a gentle satire of the writing workshop culture. It’s a compelling read for anyone interested in the craft of fiction or the messy, human side of creativity.
You can buy Show Don't Tell by Curtis Sittenfeld with my Amazon Affiliate link: https://amzn.to/4lgCwoc
The title nods to the classic writing adage "show, don’t tell," which urges writers to reveal character and emotion through actions and sensory details rather than exposition. Sittenfeld cleverly uses this framework to structure the story itself, immersing readers in the protagonist’s world through vivid scenes rather than over-explaining her inner state. The workshop setting serves as a microcosm of human interaction, filled with subtle power plays, awkward flirtations, and the quiet desperation of aspiring artists.
The protagonist, a self-conscious but observant young woman, grapples with her place in the group as they critique one another’s work. Her instructor, a pompous yet charismatic figure named Dr. Cooley, embodies the archetype of the self-important academic, while her classmates—ranging from the pretentious to the earnest—mirror the eclectic mix often found in such settings. A key moment unfolds when the protagonist’s own story, a thinly veiled account of a past relationship, is workshopped, exposing her vulnerabilities and forcing her to confront the gap between her lived experience and how others perceive it.
Sittenfeld’s prose is crisp and economical, laced with wry humor that underscores the absurdity of the creative process. The story also explores themes of authenticity, gender dynamics, and the tension between art and ego, all while maintaining a light touch. By the end, the protagonist doesn’t undergo a dramatic transformation but gains a quiet, hard-earned clarity—a hallmark of Sittenfeld’s restrained yet resonant storytelling.
"Show, Don’t Tell" is a masterclass in its own right, both a tribute to and a gentle satire of the writing workshop culture. It’s a compelling read for anyone interested in the craft of fiction or the messy, human side of creativity.
You can buy Show Don't Tell by Curtis Sittenfeld with my Amazon Affiliate link: https://amzn.to/4lgCwoc
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