Mastering Show, Don't Tell
Written And Tutored By Esther Chilton
Mastering Show, Don't Tell
Suitable for all levels of writers including beginners
Being able to use the 'Show, Don’t Tell' writing technique effectively will make your work more interesting and enjoyable to read. It helps to draw readers into your story and immerse them in the narrative.
If you’re not sure what it means, nor how to go about it, you’re not alone. Many writers find it difficult to master and it’s something that comes with practice and understanding.
The Course
This two-module course begins by explaining the difference between showing and telling. You're given some examples to help you see what the difference is between the two. You're then given the chance to put this into action yourself.
But it’s not all about showing. You do need to tell and in some instances it’s more effective to tell than show. The pros and cons of each is covered, together with the opportunity of testing out which one works best in certain situations.
In module two, you start looking at showing at a deeper level and some of the tools you can use to help you show.
Exercises And Assignments
Your course includes exercises to help you practise what you learn plus you have two tutor-marked assignments to receive back comment. Your tutor – Esther Chilton – will give you feedback on your work and pointers on how to improve it, if improvement is necessary.
Course Outcomes
By the end of your course, you will have a good understanding of the 'Show, Don’t Tell' technique and how to use it effectively in your writing.
Certificate of Completion
On successful completion of your course you will be rewarded a Certificate of Completion which you will be able to download from your account for your records.
Included With Your Course
Your course also includes a free supplement where you learn how to lay out your typescript. Presenting your work professionally is essential should you wish to send it off for publication or for a competition.
For the duration of your course you will have access to Esther Chilton The Writers Bureau's Writers' Community and free Zoom sessions where you can meet other writers and ask questions.
Trial Period And Time Limit
You have your course on seven-day trial and four months from the date you enrol to send in your assignments. Your course materials are available as soon as your payment has been successful.
No Qualifications Required To Enrol
If you want to improve your writing technique then this course is for you. It is suitable for all levels of writers including beginners. No previous experience or qualifications are required.
Enrol Today
There are no fixed start dates so you can begin straight away. So, enrol today to get started on mastering 'Show, Don't Tell'.
If you’re not sure what it means, nor how to go about it, you’re not alone. Many writers find it difficult to master and it’s something that comes with practice and understanding.
The Course
This two-module course begins by explaining the difference between showing and telling. You're given some examples to help you see what the difference is between the two. You're then given the chance to put this into action yourself.
But it’s not all about showing. You do need to tell and in some instances it’s more effective to tell than show. The pros and cons of each is covered, together with the opportunity of testing out which one works best in certain situations.
In module two, you start looking at showing at a deeper level and some of the tools you can use to help you show.
Exercises And Assignments
Your course includes exercises to help you practise what you learn plus you have two tutor-marked assignments to receive back comment. Your tutor – Esther Chilton – will give you feedback on your work and pointers on how to improve it, if improvement is necessary.
Course Outcomes
By the end of your course, you will have a good understanding of the 'Show, Don’t Tell' technique and how to use it effectively in your writing.
Certificate of Completion
On successful completion of your course you will be rewarded a Certificate of Completion which you will be able to download from your account for your records.
Included With Your Course
Your course also includes a free supplement where you learn how to lay out your typescript. Presenting your work professionally is essential should you wish to send it off for publication or for a competition.
For the duration of your course you will have access to Esther Chilton The Writers Bureau's Writers' Community and free Zoom sessions where you can meet other writers and ask questions.
Trial Period And Time Limit
You have your course on seven-day trial and four months from the date you enrol to send in your assignments. Your course materials are available as soon as your payment has been successful.
No Qualifications Required To Enrol
If you want to improve your writing technique then this course is for you. It is suitable for all levels of writers including beginners. No previous experience or qualifications are required.
Enrol Today
There are no fixed start dates so you can begin straight away. So, enrol today to get started on mastering 'Show, Don't Tell'.
Course Tutor
Esther Chilton
Since joining The Writers Bureau as a student in 1999, and following their advice, Esther hasn’t looked back. As well as winning several writing competitions herself, she was head judge of Writers’ Forum magazine’s monthly short story competition. Over the years, Esther has regularly had articles and short stories published in a variety of newspapers and magazines in the UK and abroad. She has published a range of writing workbooks, children’s books and short story collections.
Esther became a tutor for The Writers Bureau in 2009 and when they closed in July 2026, she knew she wasn’t ready for it to go. Fortunately, they let her continue with the website and new courses so she can support students on their writing journey.
See What Our Students Say
Show, Don't Tell
Lulu Fidler
Another very useful enjoyable course from The Writers Bureau. It has certainly made me aware and understand the value of Show, don't tell. I thoroughly enjoy...
Read MoreAnother very useful enjoyable course from The Writers Bureau. It has certainly made me aware and understand the value of Show, don't tell. I thoroughly enjoyed it. The course also has the added information about how to present your work, which although I had done in the comprehensive course, was a much needed reminder. Thank youEsther for your direction and comments.
Read LessI Enjoyed the Mastering Show Don't Tell Course
Dharminder Gill
I loved the course. It was easy to follow and understand. No difficulty in understanding the course materials. It help me be aware of my action, dialogue, th...
Read MoreI loved the course. It was easy to follow and understand. No difficulty in understanding the course materials. It help me be aware of my action, dialogue, thoughts etc in using the five senses. It has given me a grounding in the Show Don't Tell techniques. Thank you. A great course.
Read LessMastering show, don't tell
Jodie Bishop
Brillant course and very useful
Brillant course and very useful
Read LessA punchy, short, course that produces dividends quickly
Patrick Moore
Mastering Show, Don't Tell opens the doorway to better writing in a short, concise, package. It focuses on opening up our abilities to build engagement, and ...
Read MoreMastering Show, Don't Tell opens the doorway to better writing in a short, concise, package. It focuses on opening up our abilities to build engagement, and interest, in our writing while cautioning about the overuse of the outlined techniques. A little gem.
Read LessCourse curriculum
-
-
Welcome To Your Course
-
WB's Writers' Community
-
Totum Student Discount Card – UK Students Only
-
Discounted Writing Magazine Subscription For WB Students
-
Terms and Conditions of Enrolment
-
-
-
Study Tips
-
How To Download Your Course Modules
-
AI Policy
-
-
-
Module One - The Difference Between 'Showing' And 'Telling': a lack of tension, examples, tip, exercise one, some telling is OK, the pros and cons of showing and telling, exercis two.
-
Assignment One
-
-
-
Module Two - Tools To Show: action, exercise one, dialogue, exercise two, thoughts, exercise three, the senses, exercise four, final points to remember.
-
Assignment Two
-
-
-
Supplement - How To Present Your Typescript: paragraphing styles, layout of your emailed typescript, email subject headers, layout of your printed typescript, cover sheets, pseudonyms, word counts, photographs, covering letters and emails, summary.
-
Example Of Block Paragraphed Typescript
-
Example Of Indented Paragraphed Typescript
-
-
-
Your Certificate Of Completion
-
About this course
- £99.00
- 2 Tutor-marked Assignments
- 7-Day Trial
- Time Limit: 4 months
Sign-up today to master 'Show, Don't Tell'.
Terms and Conditions of Enrolment
1. Esther Chilton The Writers Bureau Pledge: For the fees quoted Esther Chilton The Writers Bureau will supply the full course and all the services described on our website.
2. Course Cancellation: If you wish to cancel your course you must let us know within 7-days of enrolling on your course for a full refund providing you have not submitted an assignment. Submission of an assignment commits you to the course. Course cancellations after the initial trial period are at the discretion of Esther Chilton The Writers Bureau and will only be considered in exceptional circumstances.
3. Time Limit: This agreement lasts for four months. If you wish to extend your studies beyond this time, an extra charge will be made for administration, assessment of assignments, access to the online course materials and community.
4. Copyright: This course is protected by copyright. You agree not to copy, reproduce or broadcast the course or part of the course and not to allow any other person to read or use the course or any portion of it nor offer it for re-sale in any way whatsoever.
5. Rights of Esther Chilton The Writers Bureau: Esther Chilton The Writers Bureau reserves the right to refuse to accept any applications for enrolment. We also reserve the right to discontinue the course or tuition for any student if they become abusive in any way.
6. Writers' Community and Zoom sessions: You agree to abide by the guidelines set out here when you participate in the community and Zoom sessions.
7. Your Data Rights: Esther Chilton The Writers Bureau do not share your information with any other person or organisation except as required by UK law. All reasonable precautions are taken to prevent unauthorised access to this information. This safeguard may require you to provide additional forms of identity should you wish to obtain information about your account details. You can have the information Esther Chilton The Writers Bureau holds corrected or deleted at any time. Please address your requests and/or queries to [email protected]
Where Your Data Is Stored: We use MailChimp as our emailing system and your details are stored therein. We use Stripe or PayPal to process your card payments so your details are stored therein. Your details and progress through your course are stored on our website and internal database. Please see our Cookie and Privacy Policy on our website for full information on how we track your use of the website.