Estimated Reading Time: 3 minutes

“Don’t tell me the moon is shining; show me the glint of light on broken glass.” — Anton Chekhov

Elisa’s Thought for the Week:

If you’ve been writing for more than 17 minutes of your life for others, you’ve likely heard the phrase “Show, don’t tell” in your writing.

But what the heck does that even mean?!

One way I like to think of it, that might help you wrap you mind around the concept…

Have you ever had someone talk at you? Have you ever had someone talk to you?

If you feel the difference between these two statements, then you are beginning to understand the difference between being told and being shown.

Which is the first (well, maybe second?) step to understand how to show, rather than tell, yourself.

What You Missed on Craft Your Content …

Our articles have the same mission we do — to help you to make your own words even better!

  • You’ve probably heard tonnes about the demerits of procrastination on your energy and productivity, but have you ever considered that it may be helping you get work done? Writer Joy Samuel explains how our minds subconsciously help us complete tasks long after we’ve put them off.

CYC Elsewhere ... 

Other places we’ve popped up around the interwebs.

  • In this thread, Josh Spector lists some of the best newsletters creators can subscribe to. Check it out for some inspiration, and spot our very own TWR.

In Other Reading This Week …

Need more insights and inspiration for your writing and mindset?

  • If you’ve ever had to message a boss or coworker, you’ve probably received some form of seemingly passive-aggressive work speak—or sent it. On CNBC’s make it, digital body language researcher Erica Dhawan clarifies what probably came off as you being petty, and shares what to do instead.

  • We’ve all made regrettable decisions, and, unfortunately, we’ll likely continue to do so. Author Justin Bariso shares one reliable way to make better choices, whether they’re large life decisions or more everyday ones: The Golden Question.

  • It’s too easy to dismiss that as writers, it is as important for us to connect with other writers as it is in any other profession. This post from The Artful Editor shares some simple ways to build community as a writer.

  • Creating your email list already has it’s hurdles; but, to get the sort of engagement you dream of, you’ll likely have to clean that list up a bit. This informative article from drip shares why maintaining your email list may mean pruning it, and how to start.

  • Storytelling done well is, arguably, the hallmark of any well-written work. In one of the best examples of storytelling we’ve seen this week, MENTAL FLOSS shares the stories behind some of the world’s most useful inventions, from toilets to pizza tables.

Pitches & Submissions…

Want to get your own writing and ideas published on other sites?

  • The Daily Dot is looking for reporting on internet rights, tech policy, telecom policy, and tech companies. Send your pitches to awyrich@dailydot.com with “FREELANCE PITCH” in the subject line. Rates are $200 to $300. Learn more.

  • Interested in investigative reporting? Typeinvestigate is seeking pitches in this niche. Learn more.

  • Want to write about global green solutions? Ours To Save is now accepting pitches from writers all over the world. Pitch to florence@ourstosave.com. Rate is £50 per 500-word piece. Learn more.

  • Autostraddle is seeking pitches on reporting or personal essays from BIPOC who identify as trans. Rates are $100 - $300 depending on piece and experience. Learn more.

Weekly Writing Tip …

A quick chance to learn from the masters.

“In writing. Don’t use adjectives which merely tell us how you want us to feel about the thing you are describing. I mean, instead of telling us a thing was “terrible,” describe it so that we’ll be terrified. Don’t say it was “delightful”; make us say “delightful” when we’ve read the description. You see, all those words (horrifying, wonderful, hideous, exquisite) are only like saying to your readers, “Please will you do my job for me.” — C.S. Lewis

For the Upcoming Week …

Because we all need a good chuckle to start things off right!

Damn. Should’ve considered being a data analyst.

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Till next time!

Elisa