What is concrete written language? It is writing that is full of words that represent things we can see, hear, taste, touch and smell. We can see clouds. We can hear sirens. We can taste beer. We can touch the skin. We can smell perfume. See what I mean?
Concrete language is the opposite of vague language.
When a writer uses too much vague language, the writing loses impact. This is why it is better to show emotion then it is to tell the reader what emotion one or more characters are feeling.
If a character is in love, don’t tell the reader that the character is in love. Show that the character is in love. And how does a writer show that a character is in love? There are several ways. Through the character’s mannerisms, actions and dialogue. And when a writer does this, that writer’s character will come alive for the reader because the reader will be able to see and hear that the character is in love.
That is much more satisfying for a reader than the writer telling the reader that the character is in love. Concrete language = show don’t tell writing.
My Ebook of show don’t tell fiction is ready for download on the Home Page of this blog.