Write What I Know? Do I Have to?

“Write what you know.”

When I was younger and people told me this, I felt so stifled. I wasn’t a world traveller going on adventures. I wasn’t a cowgirl, an astronaut, or an archaeologist (still not). It seemed like the worst advice ever.

But it’s actually the most important writing advice I’ve ever heard. It is possible to write what you know and not be boring! The secret is realizing what you know and what you can know.

You already know more than enough to create a wonderful adventure. Think of all you’ve experienced. Have you ever walked outside when it’s so hot you felt like you walked into an oven? Have you ever been so cold your feet ached and then when you came inside they felt like they were on fire? Have you ever flown? Was it terrifying? Invigorating? Did you have a ridiculous delay?

And how about emotions? Have you ever been in love? Have you ever been betrayed? Felt bitterness? Been so angry you couldn’t see straight? What is your happiest memory? Have you ever lost someone you love dearly? How do you describe that intense ache of missing them every day?

All of these emotions, feelings, and experiences you’ve had allow you to make your characters come alive, create adventures of your own imagination, and give your readers an experience they’ve never had before. Even if your character never leaves his hometown, making him real with the emotions and experiences you’ve had or learned will make him interesting and ultimately lovable to your readers.

But this isn’t enough to create an international spy adventure, write a convincing novel about World War II, or craft a realistic outer space epic…is it? Not exactly. When writing, you should always put yourself–your unique experiences, emotions, etc.–into it. This is what you do know. But there is a bit more involved. We cover that in more detail in our post on what you can know!