"Show, don’t tell" in suspense writing means making the reader feel the tension instead of just stating it. Instead of telling them what is happening, you show it through actions, dialogue, and sensory details.
Example 1 – Telling (boring 😴):
She was scared.
Showing (exciting 😱):
Her hands trembled as she reached for the doorknob. A cold sweat prickled her skin. The floor creaked behind her, and she swallowed hard, forcing herself to turn around.
🔹 Why is "showing" better?
It makes the reader experience the fear through the character’s actions and feelings, rather than just being told.