Answers · By Sun Yi, creator of the Myth Sandwich

How do I draw a picture of the story for the reader?

Short answerDraw a picture by showing the scene, not just telling what happened. Use dialogue, name your characters, and write in present tense so readers feel like they are there.

Show the Scene

• Literally draw the picture of the room so readers feel like they are there with you.
• Add dialogue so people can imagine the scene instead of just hearing you describe it.
• Name your characters so readers can picture each one and not get confused.

Use Present Tense

• Write in present tense so the audience feels like they are there right now.
• Say "he walks" and "he says" instead of "he walked" and "he said".

In Sun's words

One thing I do in my carousels is use the background color to signal a shift in tone. I might start with a black background, move to dark gray, then light gray, then white. Each shift tells the reader that something is changing, even before they read the words. It's a way to guide people through the plot twist without over-explaining it. The visual does the work. So when they hit the white slide, they already feel like something has opened up. You don't want to over-explain every turn in your story. Give people enough to read between the lines. If your examples are clear and your statements are sharp, they'll get it.

▶ Watch Sun explain this

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