The Writing E's - Entice Don't Explain!

All writers hear over and over, "Show don't tell." This means, don't lecture the readers. Invite them on a journey of discovery to connect in metaphor and sensory detail with the experience.

Keep this by your writing pad or computer:

Engage. Evoke. Entice. Excite. Don't explain or editorialize.

As the writer, become the bus driver rather than tour guide. Drive readers into the wilderness and let them discover points of interest without interpretation.

Van Gogh, pictured above, resides at Spanish Village an artist colony in San Diego's Balboa Park. He spends most of his time at the food bar. When I approached for a photograph he bristled, fanned his tail, wriggled his nose and stood on his hind legs. I expected a hiss and snarl, his front paws to curl and strike. The pose melted and he continued to eat regardless of my proximity.

Creative Write: Where could you take this introduction to Van Gogh? What if he did transmogrify into a larger creature? How would you engage, evoke, entice and excite your reader?