As a reader, I enjoy analyzing writing style because if I’m not enjoying a book, I want to understand why so I can better to hone my preferences. This allows me to more often select books I will like, and waste less time on the ones I probably won’t.
Most of the books I’ve read seem to fall into one of two categories when it comes to writing style: explanatory or immersive. These are both terms I’ve used to describe this phenomenon and discuss how both affect my enjoyment of a book. If you’re into writing, you’ve probably heard it expressed as telling vs. showing.
Please note: I’m not a writing or editing expert; I’m just a reader with preferences. But I have done my research.
Explanatory writing is telling instead of showing.
This writing style makes more use of exposition, and is basically just telling the reader what’s what. If there’s a question, the reader probably won’t have to form any inferences or guesses; the author is just going to tell them. It states fact with little imagination required.
This is sometimes necessary. For example, if a book is set in a fantasy world, the reader may not know important bits of the world’s history. It might help to include a sentence or two explaining something so they can keep up with the scene or conversation.
But too much of this kind of writing can make for a boring read overall. My ability to stay hooked depends heavily on the plot in this case. If I don’t finish a book, it’s probably because of this writing style.
Immersive writing is showing instead of telling.
This writing style paints a picture, illustrating a scene and dropping us into it. It focuses on the here and now. What’s happening in this scene, between these characters? Anything else that the reader doesn’t need to know right now gets left out. The goal is to let you figure it out as you go.
It engages both the senses and the imagination.
This is my go-to when selecting a book. I want to form theories about the characters and plot; I want to make predictions. An immersive writing style lets me see things as they play out and leaves room for interpretation, rather than holding my hand. I prefer the author to assume I’m keeping up, rather than assume I don’t get it.
But to be fair – too much immersion without any explanation can potentially lead to confusion.
Examples:
- Explanatory: “The room was bright.” Immersive: “I shielded my eyes from the light reflecting off every surface.”
- Explanatory: “It was cold.” Immersive: “I wrapped my coat tighter against the chill.”
- Explanatory: “I saw a blue bird.” Immersive: “A bluejay fluttered through the trees overhead.”
If you aren’t enjoying a book, it could be worth analyzing the writing style.
Taking note of the writing styles you enjoy most will help you better select your next read. If you’re a reviewer, like me, it will also help put your opinions to words.
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2 responses to “Explanatory vs. Immersive Writing as a Reader”
Immersive writing is definitely for me, I’m more visual and can create the fantasy/description in my head as if I’m there. Definitely makes for a great read.
I agree!