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The debate, I believe, depends largely on how you interpret those four words.
Taken literally, the “write what you know” adage could be seen as automatically disqualifying any novel with fantasy, supernatural or science-fiction elements. We obviously can’t write about magic, supernatural abilities and paranormal creatures from experience, and thus, can’t necessarily write what we know.
But when applied to our characters experiences and surroundings, the “write what you know” adage couldn’t be more relevant.
You see, the key to making our readers experience what our characters are going through is to weave truths into the writing. When your protagonist is walking through a rainstorm in November, don’t just mention the rain—think back to the last time you were outside in a storm and describe how it felt. When your character is guilt-ridden over something he just did, don’t say he feels guilty—describe the heat flashes and nausea and fear that comes with every bout of guilt.
Writing what you know doesn’t mean that if you’re a single mother from Montana, you can only write about single mothers who live in Montana. Writing what you know doesn’t mean you have to move to Thailand to write a story set in the Far East.
The true meaning of write what you know is to draw from everyday life. It means you need to pay attention to the world and even the most simple of everyday occurrences, because you never know when you’ll need to relive a moment of your life in order to realistically write a similar experience for your book.
How do you interpret the "write what you know" adage? Do you utilize it in your writing?
11 comments:
This was a puzzle for me until I read a short story course (lectures) in the MIT site. Then I understood what you're explaining here and I try to apply it now.
I've found that it's very helpful when applied correctly.
I was thinking about doing a blog post on a similar subject. As has happened before, my blog entries seem to unintentionally parallel yours sometimes. :-P When I post mine, I'll put a link to this entry. ;-)
Funny, I blogged about the same thing! Same idea, too. I mean, unless JK Rowling is lying and she actually went to Hogwarts, the "write what you know" thing shouldn't be interpreted literally.
Agreed. Great points, Ava. I think we naturally write about our experiences and what makes us who we are, so to be told to write about what we know is somewhat redundant (it's what we do!). Not to mention, what we don't know can always be researched, and that's what imagination is for.
Another reason not to take this advice literally is that, if you only write what you know, you will stagnate. Growing as a writer, trying new methods, evolving in your abilities --- attaining a certain height isn't done by writing what you know. It's done by continuing to learn, which you can only do by NOT writing what you know.
Now HOW you write --- that's a different story altogether, and I believe that's the point you're trying to make. *LOVE*
It happens! Definitely leave the link here in the comments when it's up. I'd love to see it!
Seems to be a running train of though in the writing blogosphere as of late. :) Good example with J.K. Rowling. Come to think of it, taken literally creates quite a few somewhat amusing ideas...
A combination of research and imagination makes for great writing fodder. Great point, Margaret. :)
Fantastic point, Andi! You're entirely right about the necessity of allowing our writing to evolve and develop over time. Wonderful addition. :)
I like your point actually,, it's make the writer always pay attention to every thing happened around,, make the writer some thing like a radar for thoughts! :)
for me it's a big motivation to learn more,, understand more.. about people and the wold outside which help me to write better.. and of course I'm using this way to generate a new ideas in the other hand..
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