Writing Workshop

Welcome to the first ShadowWorkshop — and what better place to begin than with one of the most whispered pieces of writing advice: Show, don’t tell.

But here, we’re not just swapping “she was scared” for “her hands trembled.” We’re digging into the bones of vivid description — how to shape atmosphere, evoke emotion, and guide the reader’s eye with purpose. This 10-page workshop will walk you through:

• The psychology of immersive language

• When telling is actually the right move

• Layering the senses for full-body storytelling

• Cinematic techniques that bring horror and fantasy to life

One of the quickest ways to immerse a reader is to let them experience the story rather than simply be told what's happening.

This challenge is all about bringing your scenes to life through action, sensory detail and atmosphere.

Now it's your turn! ✍️

Write a 300–500 word horror scene where your character experiences a powerful emotion—fear, grief, anger, guilt or despair.

There's just one catch...

You can't name the emotion.