When 'show don't tell' is bad advice
Sign up now for my first virtual writing workshop, college essay tutoring, and the greatest cap of all
UPDATE 8/18/24: The Usonian Writing Workshop has been POSTPONED until a later date. I’ll keep you apprised of updates.
Somewhere on their writing journey, every writer hears that "Show Don't Tell” is an absolute storytelling law. One version of that oft-quoted law states: you shouldn't ever explain what is happening in a story (telling). Instead, you should always describe the action without commentary.
Well, unfortunately, writing just isn’t that simple. Writing rules are not the laws of physics. Immutable, self-evident, unbending.
That’s because, sometimes fiction requires us to express the interior thoughts of characters in a way that is, in fact, telling.
I’m proud to announce the first-ever Usonian Workshop! In a 90-minute fiction workshop, we'll consider a few classic pieces that show us that maybe "show don't tell" isn't as universal advice as it seems, and we’ll set off to write (and share) our own work that may deviate from this rule.
Join me on Saturday, August 24, 2024 at 11am PT // 2pm ET to 12:30pm PT // 3:30pm ET for a remote, Zoom-based conference. [Update 8/18/24: The Workshop has been POSTPONED. Keep up to date with The Usonian for updates].
Workshop is $40 USD, with payment link (and Zoom link) circulated before the workshop. Attendees of the workshop will receive a 20% discount code to The Usonian+ paid subscription annual plan and receive special access to exclusive travel reportage from around the world.
And if you are a pre-existing paid subscriber, you'll get 10% off the workshop. Just make sure to check the box in the form that indicates your subscription status, and I'll bill you accordingly.
Register here [Link]. Write to hb.batonentertainment[at]gmail.com or reply to this email for questions. If this workshop is popular, I’ll consider setting up more.
The Usonian+ Subscription Offer: Introducing The Usonian Ballcap
Maybe you’ve been looking for a new look. A pledge of allegiance to being dedicated to storytelling from the edge. And these days… it’s hella sunny out there.
Well, look no farther! The Usonian now has ballcaps. They’re $40 each. Authentic ‘47 quality, one-size-fits-all, featuring the official Usonian logo. Reply to this email or write to hb.batonentertainment[at]gmail.com to order.
Or… if you are a new or returning paid subscriber to the annual Usonian+ plan, you’ll get a CAP FOR FREE!* You’ll also get access to the exclusive Usonian+ series, with a tour around the world (we’re just wrapping up our visit to Marseille), as well as the full gamut of the archive (Jordan, Malta), and the exciting places to come (hint, hint—we’re headed east… to the Bel Paese).
Subscribe now to the annual paid plan to receive a hat in the mail. (I’ll write to you to confirm shipping details once you subscribe).
*While supplies last.
College essay advising
Last but not least—it’s that time of year again. If you or a loved one is in need of college admissions essay advising, then consider my services.
I’ve been advising university admissions essays for ten years now, and my students have been admitted to places like Georgetown Law School, Harvard University, Columbia University, Dartmouth College, University of Maryland-College Park, University of Wisconsin-Madison, among others.
I’ll help your student realize their full potential so that they’ll write an essay way better than ChatGPT ever could. This year, for remote consulting, I charge the very reasonable (dare I say bargain) rate of $70/hour. If interested, reply to this email or drop a line to my business email, hb.batonentertainment[at]gmail.com.
Thanks for reading! Next week we’ll assess the foundations of more Narrative Architecture with a consideration of climate-themed essays, followed by the conclusion of the Marseille-plague series for premium subscribers. And September will be an exciting month! Adios, and goodbye!