Show, Don't Tell:
Create Writing People Can't Stop Reading
Do you want to learn to write like a pro?
Have you heard the adage “show, don’t tell,” but aren’t quite sure what it means or how to put it to work in your writing?
Do you have aspirations of selling your work, publishing professionally, and/or using your writing to engage an audience and grow a platform?
If so, this live, three-session online workshop is for you.
By the end, you’ll have an easy-to-understand set of tools to make your writing more engaging, along with the know-how to start implementing them immediately.
“Kelly is a total pro. She is a compassionate teacher, a knowledgeable partner, and will bring out the best in you. If you want to be leveled up times ten, work with Kelly.” - Amy Kurtz, author of “But You Look Fine: Trapped in the Hell Between Sick and Well and How to Break Free”
How Will “Show, Don’t Tell” Help Me?
“Show, don’t tell” is the most common piece of feedback would-be authors (and even experienced writers) receive. But what does it mean, and how do you do it?
What’s behind this adage is the idea that writing needs to do more than just communicate, it needs to engage.
When an editor says, “Show, don’t tell,” it means that for one reason or another, the writing isn’t coming alive. Maybe it’s boring and flat. Maybe there’s too much exposition. Maybe there’s not enough “furniture” in the scene…
When authors come to me with their manuscripts, book proposals, or other writing and ask me for my two cents, what I often see is that while they might have a good handle on the plot or the central ideas of the piece, they aren’t thinking of their writing in scenes.
“But Kelly,” you say, “I’m writing a [memoir, newsletter, self-help book…] not a screenplay.”
And that kind of thinking is often where writers go off track: believing that scenes belong only on a stage or screen, or in a novel. Yet in reality, what that advice “show, don’t tell” is often about is creating more scenes, or scenic elements, in your writing.
Storytelling is an essential element of writing that draws readers in, regardless of the format. Heck, I’ve even worked scenes into corporate white papers!
If you’re writing something you intend to share with others, I’m betting you want to draw them in, amIright?
“Kelly’s clear-sighted vision, her superb intelligence, and the care she puts into everything she does always shapes her result. Thank you for a wonderful collaboration.” - Jaclyn Smith, actor and author of “I Once Knew a Guy Named Charlie: A Memoir”
Learning how to master “show, don’t tell” will help you craft a memoir that has readers turning pages, create newsletters that get forwarded, and make it more likely that agents and editors will be begging to buy your work.
It doesn’t matter if you’re writing:
A memoir about how you became the first person to unicycle across the Antarctic
A Substack series about how you coach circus performers to master their mindset
A time management book based on your model of working only evenings and weekends…
Regardless of your non-fiction format or project, mastering the art of showing is essential to keeping your readers hooked. And this lively, jam-packed workshop will show you how.
“Kelly has an amazing editorial eye. She can help you frame and organize the structure of your narrative, clarify your message, and bring out the best in your manuscript. I recommend her highly.” - Betsy Rapoport, former executive editor at Random House, writer, and ghostwriter
The Format
Classes will take place on Wednesdays, November 4, 11, and 18, 2026 from 4-6pm MT (that’s 6-8pm ET, 5-7pm CT, and 3-5pm PT).
Here’s how the sessions will break out…
Session 1 (Nov. 4) – Get Em Hooked: We’ll explore why writing works and why it fails and take a look at the basic tools to help you get readers engaged. Together, we’ll:
See why good writing makes your brain jump for joy, and bad writing makes it want to jump out a window. (I’m looking at you, AI.)
Look at how scenes and scenic elements can enhance all kinds of non-fiction writing, from memoir, to instructive non-fiction, to newsletters, to PTA meeting minutes (kidding! ... kind of)
Dissect examples of writing that sizzles and writing that fizzles
Break down “show don’t tell” into its component parts (including dialogue, setting, description, exposition, and more).
Session 2 (Nov. 11) – Bring the Reader In: We’ll zero in on exposition, along with how to use dialogue, character actions, and setting to tell your story, instead. Together, we’ll:
See why exposition is like garlic in your writing
Go beyond adjectives to look at ways to make settings and descriptions come alive
Play “Spot the Flop” with some dysfunctional dialogue. You’ll tell me why it’s so bad, and we’ll collab to make it better.
Play Extreme Sentence Makeover — a before-and-after game where I give you flat sentences and we put some of your new tools to work to liven them up.
You’ll also get a mini-homework assignment for Session 3. I call it “Boring Writing CPR.” I’ll give you a short piece of tell-heavy writing that’s at death’s door and you’ll use your new, show-y skills to breathe life into it.
Session 3 (Nov. 18) – Keep Them Reading: Rarely (maybe never) does our best work just shoot out of our pen or cursor – it comes when we re-visit what we did and make it better. In this last session, we’ll look a few additional “show, don’t tell” tools, along with the most important part of writing: editing. Together, we’ll:
Discuss how much showing is too much, and when it’s okay to tell
Explore methods to moderate and show pacing
Talk about why editing our own writing can be so hard and how to do it anyway
Talk through any hurdles you’re having and discuss your homework assignment.
Note: The games and exercises are opportunities for you to practice these skills as we go. No public sharing will be required.
These three live sessions will be chock-full of actionable insights and useful tools to help you turbo-charge your writing.
“Kelly’s like a Swiss Army knife when it comes to the kind of writing she can do.”
- Ben Teitelbaum, senior producer, Calm
But wait, there’s more! Also included with the workshop…
BONUS pre-recorded publishing mini-session where I’ll break down the path to publishing, including traditional publishing, along with self- and hybrid publishing. I’ll also talk about which comes first: the book or the following?
BONUS pre-recorded AI mini-session where I’ll share the state of publishing as it relates to AI, including where and how writers who want to be published can use AI and where they should avoid it, and current guidelines from publishers and agents are using on AI. If you plan to publish, you need to know this!
Mid-week emails with extra examples and insights to complement the classes.
A writing skills PDF that includes descriptions of tools that will help you craft memorable writing that connects with readers. This is a tool I have only ever shared with my clients and students in my workshops, so you can’t get it anywhere else. One student, whose memoir came out last year, said it’s hands-down the best professional primer on tools of writing she’s ever read.
Q&A – You’ll have multiple opportunities to ask me questions about writing and publishing. I’ll tell you anything you want to know! (As long as it’s not my wife’s apple cookie recipe. Sorry – I’m sworn to secrecy.)
Links to recordings of the live sessions if you can’t make it, or just want to watch them again.
Plus, exclusive opportunities for discounted services, including coaching packages, and manuscript reviews — only available through this workshop!
“I’ve hired many writers and editors, and very few have been as talented, consistent, and versatile as Kelly. It was a total pleasure to work with her.” – Chris Advansun, former Head of Development and Creative, Calm
What’s the Investment?
Probably a lot less than you think. I’m offering these sessions at a deep discount relative to my typical rates because I know folks don’t always have the budget to work with me, and that’s a bummer. Picture it: you, me, and a group of other writers ready to take it to the next level.
Fun and community while you learn to develop your craft? Yes, please! Let’s do it.
Here are your options:
Tier 1: All three live sessions + bonus sessions + Q&A + PDF/extra materials
Early bird (valid through September 30): $179
Regular (after September 30): $259
Tier 2 (limited availability): Everything in Tier 1 + I will personally give you detailed written feedback on up to 5,000 words of writing
Early bird (valid through September 30): $479
Regular (after September 30): $559
Tier 3 (limited availability): Everything in Tier 2 + we’ll discuss your piece, or anything else you want help with, on a 60-minute private call
Early bird (valid through September 30): $679
Regular (after September 30): $759
Why Take a Workshop with Me?
I have three decades of experience as a professional writer and editor, including working as an in-house acquisitions and developmental editor. As an editor, ghostwriter, collaborating writer, and researcher, I’ve worked on New York Times bestsellers and written for some of the biggest authors and celebrities out there. I routinely work with some of the best-known literary agents and editors in the business, along with smaller niche and hybrid publishers. I’ve written more than 300 scripts for the Calm app for some of their biggest talent. My ghostwriting for authors has appeared in outlets and publications including MasterClass, Fast Company, Newsweek, VOGUE, Forbes, The New York Times, GQ, Inc., Oprah Daily, and TIME. And I’m the author of two traditionally published self-help books for teens, the second of which is now in its third edition.
On top of that, I also help authors from big-name talent to everyday folks shape their book ideas. (The last nonfiction book proposal I worked on sold for six figures to a major trade publisher.) I work with some fantastic hybrid publishing platforms, as well, and I can help you figure out the best route for your work, whether it’s traditional, hybrid, or self-publishing.
I’m on the frontlines of publishing and I see what’s getting picked up, and what’s getting rejected. And I know the pros and cons of different publishing routes, and what it takes to be successful in each.
In other words…
I know the quality and style of writing agents and publishers are looking for, and I can help you get there.
Don’t Take My Word for It
Here’s more of what some of the people I’ve worked with are saying about me (at least to my face)…
“Working with Kelly felt effortless from the very beginning. She had this incredible ability to make me feel comfortable enough to open up without ever feeling intrusive. Kelly has a sharp business mind that kept the work flow and momentum going, and had such a clear understanding of the work, while also handling my vulnerability and personal story with genuine care. I always felt safe, respected, and understood in her hands.” – Dania Ramirez, actor, author of a forthcoming memoir
“Kelly is an exceptional collaborator. Her deep wisdom and knowledge, combined with her unwavering commitment, make her an invaluable partner in the creative process. It’s no exaggeration to say that any project with Kelly on board is destined for success. - Mary C. Murphy, author of “Cultures of Growth: How the New Science of Mindset Can Transform Individuals, Teams, and Organizations,” winner of the 2025 Society for Personality and Social Psychology Book Prize
“Working with Kelly on my book project was a dream collaboration. She was just so fun to work with. You can’t go wrong working with Kelly on your next project!" - Scott Barry Kaufman, author of “Rise Above: Overcome a Victim Mindset, Empower Yourself, and Realize Your Full Potential”
“Kelly is a gift to behold. It is a true pleasure and privilege to work with such a consummate professional. She understands the ebb and flow of the creative process and embraces the dance of collaboration with confidence and ease. I can’t imagine writing my book without her.”
- Michele Steckler, consultant, producer of Disney’s stage production “The Lion King”
And…
“Kelly is wickedly smart and intuitive, hilarious, warm and open, fun, inspiring, and a joy to work with.”
"When I saw Kelly walk into [class] for the first time I thought, ''S***'s about to get real,' and I wanted to hug her. ... I was impressed with how vulnerable Kelly was willing to be with us. She really helped me."
“Kelly is an extremely gifted speaker and writer. Her classes always deliver with content that engages, energizes, and leaves the students asking 'When will Kelly return?'"
"It's difficult to articulate the magic that Kelly brings to a project. I gave her a pretty decent manuscript. And she gave me back a gamechanger. Can't wait for our next collaboration."
“Kelly is the partner every writer needs! She has a special knack for seeing exactly where a manuscript needs to go and for communicating that information in accessible terms. She is a brilliant, kind, and experienced soul to accompany you on your book writing journey.”
"I have had many teachers during my lifetime. Kelly stands above the rest. Don't miss an opportunity to take a class with her.”
Frequently Asked Questions
If I can’t come to a session, will there be a recording?
Yes, session recordings will be available for workshop enrollees. Recording links will be sent out the morning after the session, and all recordings will remain available through December 9, 2026.
What’s the refund policy?
Once you register, you can cancel your registration for a 50% refund up to October 4. Space is limited, and this gives us time to fill your spot if you can’t make it or change your mind.
Who is this workshop for?
Any writer — whether you’re newer to the craft or a veteran – is welcome and will benefit from this workshop.
Who is this workshop not for?
If you’re looking for personal feedback on your writing, we won’t be doing that in our group sessions. However, I’m happy to dig into your work with you if you book in Tier 2 or Tier 3. Otherwise, you could join a local or online writers’ group to workshop your specific writing.
Is there an age requirement for participants?
I took my first college-level writing class when I was 15, so I’m a huge fan of young writers, and I know they can handle a lot. This workshop is open to participants from high school on up. Special note to parents: I keep all my material PG-13 or lower and will ask all participants to do the same when we have sharing.