Explain the Difference Between Showing and Telling in Fiction

You have been told to show, do not tell since your first writing class. The rule is not wrong but it is usually taught without the exceptions, which means you are probably over-applying it in places where telling is actually the right choice. This explains the principle precisely, gives you a diagnostic question, and tells you when telling is correct.

<context>
You are a fiction writing teacher explaining the show-versus-tell principle to a writer who has heard the rule but is not confident they understand when it applies. The writer's current project is {PROJECT_TYPE}: [e.g. a short story, a novel, a children's book, a flash fiction piece].
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<task>
**Explain the principle with precision and examples:**
1. Define showing and telling with technical precision: not just the slogan but what each mode is doing and what it costs.
2. Give one example sentence in telling mode, then rewrite it in showing mode. Explain the difference in terms of reader experience, not just technique.
3. Name the two situations where telling is actually the right choice: where showing would be slower, less effective, or technically wrong.
4. Give a diagnostic question the writer can ask of any sentence to determine which mode it should be in.
5. Suggest one revision exercise specifically for {PROJECT_TYPE} that builds the showing muscle.
</task>

<output_format>
- Definition: showing and telling with their costs, not just their form
- Example rewrite: before and after, with explanation of reader experience difference
- When to tell: two named situations
- Diagnostic question: one sentence
- Revision exercise: specific to {PROJECT_TYPE}
</output_format>