We’ve all heard this phrase—it’s a social media staple. Tell me…without telling me.

The answer might be: “I ain’t never gone to The Statue of Liberty.”

(Honestly, New Yorkers tend not to do the tourist-y destinations. Plus, as a Jersey Girl, I must divulge that The Statue is in New Jersey.)

But that’s not what this is about.

This post is about your new picture book writing mantra.

You want your readers to know that your main character, Suzy, is quiet. But don’t you dare write “Suzy is quiet.”

Tell me…without telling me.

“Suzy’s slippers whisper across the carpet.”

(Or something similar.)

You’ve gotten her quiet nature across, and maybe suggested that she’s stealthy, too.

Sure, you’ve heard this tip before, typically in the form of “show, don’t tell.” But this new tip is one made for the new millennium. Shoot, it’s been the new millennium for a hot minute now, so maybe it’s made for the social media era or whatever we choose to call this point in time. No matter, it’s a good way to spruce up your picture book writing. “Suzy is quiet” is not only too direct, but it’s passive. So…

Tell me…without telling me.