MONDAY MUSINGS: IF YOU'RE IN LOVE, SHOW ME

This morning, while reviewing one of my critique group member’s latest offering, I’ve been listening to the movie My Fair Lady on cable. I’ve seen it many times, but I’ll never forget the first time, 56 years ago. It was at the Egyptian Theater in Hollywood, in November 1964, just a week or so after its red-carpet premier in New York. It was a second (and last) date, with—someone special.

Anyway, I was watching the scene when Eliza is leaving Prof. Higgins after her big debut and he’d wone his bet, making a real “lady” out of her. She ran into Freddy, the would-be upper-class suitor who was smitten with her. Audrey Hepburn played Eliza—who wouldn’t be smitten? I would have been as well, if my attentions weren’t completely focused in another direction.

In a scene where Freddie tries to talk to her, she is fed up with words. She launches into song: “Don't talk of stars, burning above. If you're in love, show me!” That’s advice writers are familiar with, always being told, “Show, don’t tell!”

But it occurs to me that it’s also excellent advice for the heroes and heroines of my stories. They should show, not just tell.  Dialogue is important, crucial in many scenes, but their words need to be supported by actions.

My favorite definition of love is that “it is not about how someone makes you feel, but how you treat the object of your desire.” This sums up the point I’m making. I will remember that in editing my second book, Rule Number One, to give action to the character’s profession of love.

“If you're in love, show me!”