3T Writing Tidbit - Body Language

 As writers, we're told constantly "show, not tell". While I'm not behind this statement more than 70% (cuz really, how boring would be having to live through all the character's moments in a day?), I do think we need to be good at it in order for the reader to become truly immersed in the story.

So here's an easy way to show not tell, one we use in real life: body language. The proof's even in the description! It's not talking language. It's the language of movement, of showing a story through intimate personal dance.

Keep an eye out for ways people in your life (or just people-watching) signal emotions. Do they lift an eyebrow in disbelief, or do they wince? Maybe when they're puzzled, they scrunch up their face or just rub their nose.

Once you have a list of ways an emotion can be shown through body language, go back and consider them against your character. Would Superman, if he was puzzled, be a face scruncher or a nost rubber? Would Sherlock Holmes, if he was disbelieving, be a wincer or eyebrow lifter? 

Pick your body language and have fun showing!

Published since 2009, over the years I've accumulated various items of writing wisdom. The Third Tuesday Writing Tidbit showcases these items in no particular order. Click here to see all 3T Tidbits.   

2T Repeat Performance - 5 Reasons Alpha Males Are Like Chocolate

I've done a number of blog tours over the years, posting on different sites. Now I'm bringing them to you!

Originally published August 26, 2013 for Reading Between the Wines

Thank you to Crystal and Reading Between the Wines for having me here today!

 Quirky pairings are fun. Example: five-zero punk musician Nixie and six-plus lawyer Julian = Nitro? Meet glycerin.... In honor of Beauty Bites’ alpha male Ric Holiday and Dr. Synnove Byornsson’s affection for chocolate, I ask: How are alpha males like chocolate?

Five reasons alpha males are like chocolate.

5. Both give delight when enjoyed with morning coffee or evening liqueurs.

4. Some can be bitter and overpowering. But add in a touch of sweetness and you have a powerbar of energy that keeps you going and going. (And going... :).

3. They’re both awesome between thin sheets...hey, I mean graham crackers and marshmallows ;)

2. Photos of either in the unwrapped state may cause drool.

1. You can lick or nibble.

 Three reasons alpha males aren’t like chocolate.

3. Chocolate can’t make you breakfast.

2. Chocolate can’t be an ad tycoon, rock star, genius tech, or bad boy biker. It can be a bunny, though.

1. While both can comfort, chocolate can’t hug you.

Four reasons Beauty Bites’ alpha male Ric Holiday is like chocolate.

4. Like chocolate, Ric has a bite.

3. Both are soooo smooth.

2. When beauty Synnove is around, Ric can be very hard.

1. A childhood trauma sectioned his life into pieces.

Three reasons Ric Holiday isn’t like chocolate.

3. Chocolate doesn’t have blond spiky hair and a killer bod.

2. Chocolate doesn’t have fangs.

1. When Ric and Synnove turn up the heat, he doesn’t melt. (But she does.)