The opinion of some writing instructors is to only write what you know.
Is this good advice or bad? Is it wise or limiting?
Actually, these are trick questions. Let me explain by turning this one phrase into two pieces of advice:
- Only write what you know.
- Research what you don’t know.
This covers everything. Of course, as soon as we learn something we don’t know, we automatically move it from the unknown column (item #2) to the known column (item #1).
Research turns what we don’t know into what we know.
By applying rule number two before we write, we effectively follow rule number one when we write. But as soon as we follow rule number two, we don’t need it anymore, but then without it we can get into trouble. Thinking about this gives me a headache.
So, let me suggest a third item, one that replaces these first two rules and smartly resolves the discussion:
- Only write what you know.
- Research what you don’t know.
- Don’t write about things you don’t know.
As I contemplated this post (I generally plan my topics a few weeks in advance), fellow writer Susie Finkbeiner gave me a real-life example in her blog.
She shared learning about funeral directors for her new novel, My Mother’s Chamomile, demonstrating that if you don’t know something, you should learn it before you write about it.
So, instead of only writing what we know, we’re actually better off if we don’t write about what we don’t know.
Learn more about writing and publishing in Peter’s book: Successful Author FAQs: Discover the Art of Writing, the Business of Publishing, and the Joy of Wielding Words. Get your copy today.
Peter Lyle DeHaan is an author, blogger, and publisher with over 30 years of writing and publishing experience. Check out his book Successful Author FAQs for insider tips and insights.