Illustrations, descriptions, narrations, comparisons, almost all writing, certainly almost all that has inherent interest, appeals to us because of images. Try this little writing exercise: Think about the mood you are in now as this class begins. Take your time. Close your eyes and concentrate on that feeling. Now write down a description of the feelings. Look at each word. Do any of them produce images? Are any specific?
The Difference between showing and telling is an essential difference. Knowing the difference between the concrete activity of showing what you mean by using details, images, and specifics and the abstract explanation of telling what you mean by using general language is, perhaps, the most important realization you can make that will guarantee success in writing. (Equally important, though, is the appreciation of STRUCTURE, but more of that later.)
WHAT'S CONCRETE? Could it be something to cement your ideas with? Abstraction means a "drawing out from." Abstractions are absolutely necessary to thinking, communicating, living. But specific details—concrete images—are also necessary. And good writing balances the abstract generality with the specific details that root the general to our concrete, shared, experience.
Change this general language to a concrete example that illustrates the meaning of the abstraction by a specific image or images:
Through no fault of her own, she was homeless.
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