Show, Don't Tell - VII
Use vivid descriptions and actions to convey emotions and events, avoiding direct statements
In this series we are attempting to write a short story with the assistance of generative AI tools. Familiarise yourself with the narrative overview before reading on. Now we are stepping through each plot line.
We’ve covered Setting, Theme, Conflict, Points of View, Character Development for the protagonist, character development for secondary characters and plot in previous articles.
Storyboard VII
This next scene sees Pandi arriving at Munnar and observe all the teams at the tea plantation who are competing in a tea-making contest.
Falling asleep on the bus trip affords us an opportunity to compare the red dust of the Aluva station to a green and vibrant vista as Pandi wakes up on arrival. A description of the change of scenery and the stage that has been setup for the tea tasting competition nestled neatly among the greenness will provide the story with the perfect backdrop leading up to our story’s conclusion.
Pandi intends to let the experience wash over her by sitting in front of the assembled competition stage, absorbed at the makeup of the different teams and their preparations.
We’ve used Grok and ChatGPT to create a set of other teams who are also competing
British Tourists - The group Pandi travelled with to Munnar is characterized by their camaraderie and cheerful disposition. They believe they can win the contest because of their diverse experiences, passion for tea, and the unique blend of skills and personalities they bring to the table. Their approach is not just about brewing tea but about sharing a story and creating an experience that reflects their journey and love for adventure.
Samurai Sippers - A group of traditional Japanese tea masters, dressed in elegant kimonos, who are experts in the art of the Japanese tea ceremony. Their meticulous attention to detail and focus on harmony could make them strong contenders for the win.
Dragon's Cup - A team of Chinese tea enthusiasts, led by a renowned tea scholar. They have a deep understanding of the various tea-growing regions in China and their unique tea-making techniques. Their knowledge and passion could give them an edge in the competition.
Masala Chai - This team is composed of five spirited and experienced Indian aunties, each with her own unique flair and decades of experience in the art of chai making. Their secret weapon? A special homemade masala powder, a family recipe passed down through generations, imbued with the warmth of tradition and the zest of secret spices.
Minty Maghrebi - A lively team of Moroccan tea enthusiasts, known for their love of mint tea. They bring a unique blend of spices and a rich cultural tradition to the competition, which could make their tea stand out among the others.
Ceylon Crafters - A team of tea plantation workers from Sri Lanka's famous Ceylon tea region. They have a deep understanding of the tea production process, from picking the leaves to rolling and drying them. Their experience could make them formidable opponents.
IIT Madras Scientific - A team of food scientists and nutritionists from Indian Institute of Technology Madras which has a high altitude labratory near Munnar who use a precise, experimental approach to brewing tea. Their methodical understanding of the chemistry behind tea flavors and health benefits could give them an edge in creating a perfectly balanced and beneficial brew.
Pandi watches each of the teams assemble their equipment, conducting their own taste tests and chatting friendly with other teams.
Collaboration
Let’s see how our Tool AI collaborators describe this scene
Grok for some reason reverts to third person here, but has some nice descriptions of the teams, teasing out individual flair and spark which we can elaborate on
As Pandi's eyes fluttered open, the first thing she noticed was the striking contrast between the dusty red of the Aluva station and the lush, verdant landscape that now surrounded her. The bus ride had been long, and she'd fallen asleep shortly after boarding. Now, as she took in the breathtaking beauty of Munnar, she couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and wonder.
The stage for the tea-making competition was nestled among the rolling hills, a picturesque backdrop for the event that would soon unfold. The various teams were already setting up their equipment, chatting and laughing with one another as they prepared for the contest. Pandi felt a surge of excitement and anticipation as she watched them work, eager to see what the competition would bring.
As she observed the British tourists, the group she had traveled with to Munnar, Pandi couldn't help but smile at their camaraderie and cheerful disposition. They were a diverse group, each with their own unique experiences and passions, and they believed that this diversity would give them an edge in the competition. Their approach to tea-making was not just about brewing a perfect cup, but about sharing a story and creating an experience that reflected their journey and love for adventure.
Next, Pandi's gaze fell upon the Samurai Sippers, a group of traditional Japanese tea masters dressed in elegant kimonos. Their meticulous attention to detail and focus on harmony were evident in the way they prepared their equipment and ingredients. Pandi was certain that their expertise in the art of the Japanese tea ceremony would make them strong contenders for the win.
The Dragon's Cup team was composed of Chinese tea enthusiasts, led by a renowned tea scholar. They were discussing the various tea-growing regions in China and the unique tea-making techniques that each region employed. Their deep understanding of the subject and their passion for tea could give them an edge in the competition.
Then there were the Masala Chai team, a lively group of Indian aunties, each with her own unique flair and decades of experience in the art of chai making. Their secret weapon? A special homemade masala powder, a family recipe passed down through generations, imbued with the warmth of tradition and the zest of secret spices.
The Minty Maghrebi team, composed of Moroccan tea enthusiasts, brought a unique blend of spices and a rich cultural tradition to the competition. Their love of mint tea was evident in the way they prepared their ingredients, and Pandi knew their tea would stand out among the others.
Finally, there were the Ceylon Crafters, a team of tea plantation workers from Sri Lanka's famous Ceylon tea region. They had a deep understanding of the tea production process, from picking the leaves to rolling and drying them. Their experience and expertise could make them formidable opponents in the competition.
Lastly, the IIT Madras Scientific team, composed of food scientists and nutritionists from the Indian Institute of Technology Madras, had a high-altitude laboratory near Munnar. They used a precise, experimental approach to brewing tea, and their methodical understanding of the chemistry behind tea flavors and health benefits could give them an edge in creating a perfectly balanced and beneficial brew.
As Pandi watched the teams prepare, she felt a sense of excitement and anticipation building within her. She couldn't wait to see what the competition would bring and how each team's unique approach to tea-making would play out. The stage was set, and the competitors were ready. All that was left was for the contest to begin.
ChatGPT’s description of the scene has more of a natural flow, however lacks inspiring detail of the teams themselves.
Waking up on the tour bus, the first thing that strikes me is the stark contrast between the red dust of Aluva station and the lush greenness of Munnar. The vibrant vista unfolds like a vivid painting, a far cry from the bustling chaos I left behind. The air is fresher, filled with the scent of tea leaves and earth, a soothing balm to my senses. As the bus winds its way through the rolling hills, I'm mesmerized by the endless expanses of tea plantations, their beauty a stark reminder of nature's splendor.
We arrive at the tea plantation where the contest is set to take place. The stage for the competition is a harmony of tradition and festivity, nestled among the verdant hills. It's a picturesque backdrop, a perfect canvas for the kaleidoscope of cultures and traditions about to unfold.
I find a spot to sit in front of the competition stage, eager to let the experience wash over me. The teams are assembling, each bringing their own flair to the preparations. The British tourists I traveled with are a whirlwind of activity, their laughter and chatter a familiar comfort. They're not just brewing tea; they're weaving stories, their every action a reflection of their journey and camaraderie.
The Samurai Sippers, in their elegant kimonos, move with a grace and precision that's almost meditative. Their ritualistic approach to tea-making, a dance of harmony and respect, is a beautiful spectacle to witness.
The Dragon's Cup team, led by a renowned Chinese tea scholar, is a study in focus and passion. Their deep reverence for tea traditions and regional nuances is evident in their meticulous preparations.
Nearby, the Indian aunties of the Masala Chai team are a burst of energy and warmth. The aroma of their special masala blend fills the air, a tantalizing promise of the flavors to come.
The Minty Maghrebi team's lively setup, infused with the refreshing scent of mint, adds a vibrant note to the atmosphere. Their rich cultural tradition is reflected in every cup they brew.
The Ceylon Crafters, experts from the heart of Sri Lanka's tea region, handle the tea leaves with an intimacy born of years of experience. Their deep connection to the tea-making process is almost tangible.
The IIT Madras Scientific team is a contrast to the traditional approaches around them. Their scientific methodology and precise instruments speak of a modern, analytical approach to the ancient art of tea brewing.
As I watch each team, I realize that this contest is more than a competition; it's a celebration of diversity, tradition, and innovation. It's a gathering of different worlds, each united by their love for tea. And as I sit there, absorbing the sights, the sounds, and the scents, I feel a deep sense of gratitude for being part of this extraordinary tapestry of experiences.
First Attempt
A squeaking of brakes and a sudden jolting stop forced my eyes open. Stretching and rubbing my eyes, the first thing I noticed was the striking contrast between the dusty red of Aluva station and the lush, verdant landscape that now surrounded me. The bus ride had been long, but I’d fallen asleep shortly after boarding. Teleported from urban chaos to verdant hills.
As I step off the tour bus, the vibrant green tapestry of the tea plantations unfolds before me. The air is crisp and invigorating, filled with the earthy scent of tea leaves and the subtle perfume of wildflowers that dot the landscape. My eyes trace the rolling hills, where neat rows of tea bushes cascade like green waves, rhythmically swaying in the gentle breeze. The sun, breaking through the morning mist, casts a golden glow over the plantation, turning the dewdrops on the leaves into shimmering jewels. It's a scene of serene beauty, and for a moment, I'm lost in its tranquility, feeling a connection to the land and its timeless charm.
Making my way toward the competition stage, I tread along a narrow path lined with lush foliage, the soft rustling of leaves underfoot blending with distant sounds of laughter and chatter from the gathering crowd. The stage, set against the backdrop of the picturesque hills, is abuzz with activity. Colourful banners flutter in the breeze, and the air is alive with anticipation for the contest. The blend of nature's calm and the festival's vibrant energy is exhilarating and I find a spot to sit to absorb the scene.
Catching the eye of one of the British tourists, the group I had traveled with to Munnar, a broad smile came upon both of our faces. Their camaraderie and cheerful disposition, laughter and chatter fuelling their confidence as they were already deep in preparation.
My gaze travels across the stage assessing the rich tapestry of cultures and traditions.
A Japanese team, “Samurai Sippers” in their elegant kimonos, move with a grace and precision that's almost meditative. The “Dragon's Cup” team’s deep reverence led by a renowned tea sage which all team members defer to and consult when assembling their station.
There is vibrant energy and aroma of a special masala blend coming from the “Masala Chai” team, a group of Indian aunties each with decades of experience in the art of chai making. Minty Maghrebi, a team composed of Moroccan tea enthusiasts, their love of mint tea was evident in the way they prepared their ingredients, with an elaborate looking “berrad” use to serve each sugary, minty cup.
A team from the Indian Institute of Technology Madras who evidently had a high-altitude laboratory near Munnar was a contrast to the traditional approaches around them. A precisely measured experimental approach to brewing tea, and their methodical understanding of the chemistry behind tea flavours and health benefits likely to give them an edge in creating a perfectly balanced brew.
This isn’t just a competition; it’s a gathering of stories, skills, and spirits from across the globe, unified by their love for tea. I’m eager to watch the contest unfold, to see how each team’s unique approach will come together in a symphony of flavours and aromas.
Thanks
Grok, Midjourney, Maginific.AI and ChatGPT were helpful. Here is a sample interaction used to describe the British Tourist’s team
