of all the principles of good writing.

“Be sure not to discuss your hero’s state of mind. Make it clear from his actions.”― Anton Chekhov (Letter to Alexander Chekhov, May 10, 1886)

It’s a corollary of our old pal “Show don’t tell,” and 80% of what I read these days from young writers totally ignores it. Much of what I read from young writers in fact does nothing BUT discuss the hero’s state of mind. Chekhov had much to tell us besides what to do with the gun.