Animated
Hands clap and I’m awake.
“Everything ok?” the hypnotist asks, a mischievous glint in his eye.
No! Everything’s different.
Arriving home, my neighbour greets me.
“Good morning.”
I doff an invisible hat.
“Any plans for today?” she asks.
I walk to my rose bush and prune my roses with invisible shears.
“Are you alright?”
I shake my head.
I’m a writer. He claimed he’d help me master the art of ‘show don’t tell’.
I agree, his little trick was funny at first… until he failed to reverse it!
So, until he succeeds, I’m left to gesture through life… completely animated!
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Great illustration of “showing” rather than “telling”. No writer will quickly forget this story! Lots of fun, with a bit of learning thrown in. Nice image as well.

What a lovely surprise! Thank you so much voice-team. My previous successes have both been on the dark side so it’s nice to have a light-hearted story recognised.
Such an awful situation to be left in. Great story Linda, your protagonist’s life is different indeed.
I think I’ll skip the hypnotist and stick to the self help guides! Thanks for commenting Carrie.
Wow. This story is completely different. I like it.
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The imagination can take you to some weird places sometimes Lotchie, but it’s always fun!
Yes, you are right, Linda. That’s why I always love it here in Voice club. It helps me boost and enhance my imagination on every story that I read here.
Are you alright now Linda? I see you are still miming and waving to everyone. The milk man has just made a hasty retreat down the path – I think I’ll call back later.
You’re probably right to stay away Eric, you won’t get much conversation out of me these days! But I’m sending you a wave, hope you get it!
Linda, this is just priceless! You’ve certainly “shown” us what that famous writer’s advice means! Brilliant story, and great picture.
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I’m glad you saw the funny side of it Julie, which was what I intended! Most of my stories tend to be on the serious side so this for me was some light relief! I was lucky to find that picture, it fitted perfectly!
I really enjoyed this story. Your style of writing is very unique.
Thank you so much for your kind comment Daisy. Glad you enjoyed the story!
No problem!
Linda, I love this! It certainly reminded me to ‘show, don’t tell’ and showed a very practical way to do so too! I enjoyed reading this. Well done, this is a great story.
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Thanks Marianna, this was really fun to write!
This was a fun read, Linda. In an absurd way, it shows the power of the mind. And it is also a good reminder not to try to make any short-cuts. Writing well isn’t an easy thing!
I agree Christer, taking the easy way rarely works in anything. I’m glad you found the story fun, I had fun writing it!
Congratulations to the two of us, Linda, for our runner-up stories!
Didn’t we do well Christer! Will raise a glass to both of us!
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Congratulations, Linda, on a well-deserved win. Love this brilliant story!
Thanks so much Julie, it was a lovely surprise. And congratulations on the grand prize, very well deserved.
Congratulations, Linda.
Thank you Lotchie and for your earlier comment on my story. Always appreciated.
You’re always welcome.
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Well done Linda, this is such a fun story, and definitely a writer’s nightmare.
Thanks Carrie, it’s definitely one of mine!
Linda, I love the humour in your story. It was fun to read. Congratulations on your win!
Thanks Marianna, it was good to write a fun story!
Congratulations, Linda, and thanks for your light-hearted response to the great prompt!
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Thank you Fuji, it was nice to write a more light-hearted story.
A wonderful story, Linda. As the Voice-team said it is a great example of showing, not telling and one we will remember. Sitting here chuckling – well done!
I’m glad it made you chuckle Sandra and thank you for your lovely comment.