Skill Focus – Overexplaining
Because if you’ve already shown us, you don’t need to tell us. And then tell us again. And again.
✨ Welcome to the Department of Saying Things Twice
Let’s get this out of the way: clarity is good.
But overclarity? That’s when your prose starts to feel like it’s underestimating the reader.
Overexplaining is what happens when you:
Say the thing...
...and then explain the thing you just said
...and then restate the meaning of what you already explained
Your writing deserves more trust. So do your readers.
🧠 What Does Overexplaining Look Like?
“He clenched his fists, angry at what she said.”
We already know he’s angry. The action shows it.
“She didn’t say anything. She was silent.”
Yep. Got that.
“The hallway was dark and shadowy.”
Pick one. “Dark” or “shadowy.” Unless the shadows are plot-relevant.
🛠️ Try This Rewrite Drill
Here’s your sentence:
“She smiled to show she was happy.”
You know what to do.
💡 Tip: Cut what’s already implied. If the action communicates the emotion, you don’t need to name it too.
Bonus points if you rewrite with voice—let your character’s mood shine through how they smile, not just that they do.
🧪 Signs You Might Be Overexplaining
You name the same emotion more than once in a sentence
You explain a metaphor right after using it
You repeat an idea in back-to-back sentences using slightly different words
🔁 Common culprits:
“She was scared and afraid.”
“He ran quickly to get there faster.”
“The truth was obvious. Clearly, she knew it.”
🎯 How to Fix It (Gently)
Ask:
Did I already show this in the action or dialogue?
Will my reader understand without the added line?
Is this second clause new information—or just a reword?
Sometimes, less truly is more. And stronger.
💬 Need Help? Ask Quillwyn!
Paste a line you think might be repetitive and say:
“Is this overexplained? Can we tighten it?”
She’ll help trim the excess and leave the muscle.