posted
I struggle with this myself. To "Show" or to "Tell" is the question. If you show too much, then you have painted a mental picture that you expect the reader to visualize exactly the same way as you have. If you show a little and tell a little, then the reader has the leeway to visualize a personalized version of a picture you have merely suggested.
Posts: 136 | Registered: Nov 2005
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posted
If you are in first person, "I looked upon him with suspicion" or something that simple.
If you are in third person, Limited and its your PoV character: Stroking his chin, he eyed them with suspicion.
If you are in third person limited and the character is not your Pov Character ; John held his chin with his hand and looked upon Mike with a slight squint to his eye.
posted
"I could not cross my arms for it might appear haughty and possibly invoke his wrath. So I aborted the motion in midair and sought to brace my elbow in a protective hand, hoping to seem thoughtful as I pondered his question.
His stare continued, so to hide my telltale tremor as well as to appear more harmless, I cupped my chin into my gun hand, raising a quizzical eyebrow. He tightened his grimace so I knew he misinterpreted my stance as one of suspicion rather than overt aggression."
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