Most writers will have heard this phrase. It’s a common piece of writing advice often given out to new writers. But should you always write what you know?
journal… (Photo credit: mscaprikell)
Writing what you know is sensible advice, after all you may write about something which you have no knowledge of and get it all wrong but when it comes to creative writing this doesn’t always apply. What if you are writing fantasy or sci-fi? What if you want to just make it up?
On one side of the debate you could say that fantasy is still usually based upon real issues and therefore may still be related to your own knowledge. However there’s one reason writers should forget this piece of advice and concentrate on what you want to write.
It all comes from you!
You may research, you may make it all up, you may take aspects from your life or another’s life but it’s still all coloured by your interpretation and judgements.
So there’s no need to focus too much on ‘writing what you know’ (unless you are writing your biography).
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bardicblogger 
If I wrote what I know… “I only know that I know nothing.” (Socrates)
Excellent quote!
There is wisdom in writing what you are truly passionate about and want to write about, whether it’s something you know, or something your research. Once you’ve researched it, then you know it. Ah! Words are wonderful! They are friends. This reminds me of the song in the round: “Make new friends, but keep the old. One is silver and the other, Gold.”
Learning new things blended in with what you already knew creates a blended thread of silver and gold. Enjoy your writing! Write what calls you…new or old.
Celebrate you just as you are.
Never Give Up
Joan Y. Edwards
I totally agree. I think with me I have to be wary not to spend too long in research but it`s passion of any kind whether old or new is always a key factor in writing. Thanks for stopping by!
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You’re right. Goldilocks is great to have…just right time spent for different parts of our writing. Enjoy being you.