Show Not Tell: Writing Rules Ranked, Debunked and Derided (S01E10) cover art

Show Not Tell: Writing Rules Ranked, Debunked and Derided (S01E10)

Show Not Tell: Writing Rules Ranked, Debunked and Derided (S01E10)

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This week, Meagan and Kirk tackle the sacred cows of writing advice, from “show, don’t tell” to “kill your darlings,” and then gleefully tip them over.

We also discuss adverbs, passive voice, and confess to crimes against first drafts. Meagan shares post-conference war stories (and book five confessions), and Kirk reveals his "sure, why not?" two-adverbs-per-chapter rule.

In Hot Goss, we discuss the latest writing-community drama: authors quitting querying and expensive special editions.

Welcome to Bad Lit Friends. We’re glad you’re here, even if none of us know what we’re doing.


Bad Lit Friends was created and is hosted by Meagan Thompson-Mann and Kirk Rafferty. Our Producer is Rylan Rafferty.


Show email: badlitfriends@gmail.com

Bluesky: @badlitfriends.bsky.social

Threads: @badlitfriends

Instagram: @badlitfriends

Website: https://www.badlitfriends.com/


Show notes:

The book Kirk thought was zombies on a submarine, but is actually vampires on a submarine, is 100 FATHOMS BELOW by Nicholas Kaufmann and Steven L. Kent. It's now on my TBR list, and should be on yours too! -k)

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