Write what you know is advice that has been around for a long time. But it is still true. Let’s take a look.
What to Write.
Every writer faces this challenge. If fiction, it can refer to the genre, the plot, just about anything. If nonfiction it can refer again to the genre, and the topic. It can be a real dilemma.
What Genre to Write?
The genre or category a story falls into will determine the audience you reach. It can also determine characters, nature, and the plot itself.
Write What You Know.
This is outstanding advice, but it needs a little explanation. When I first heard this advice, it was meant very specific. As such, it limited you and placed you in a box. Yet it was also true. If you are writing about a subject, you don’t know it is a good chance that it will be reflected in the quality of your story.
Expand it From Knowledge Experienced or Gained.
I like this better because it opens that box. It is not only what you know, but it can also include what you learn. In my case, I had become known for writing fiction, especially novels based on Biblical events and characters. But I decided I wanted to write nonfiction. That led to me learning how to write about people and places I know in this life.
My best-selling book, Hurricane Ian Winds of Providence & Provisions is a classic example. My pastor and his family were caught in the midst of this terrible storm. While prepared for the hurricane they were not prepared for the flash flood that it stirred up. They lost everything, but survived. Instead of being a story of tragedy it became a story of faith in God, experiencing His providential care, and sharing with others. It was inspirational!
God laid it on my heart to write the story, but I had failed at previous attempts to write nonfiction. I had written a book on Donald Trump that was honest, well-documented, with references. It was a book that showed him at his best, but I couldn’t get anyone interested. My other attempt was to do a Ghost-Written book. This also failed.
But the book on Hurricane Ian was different than anything I had ever done. It ended up allowing the people who experienced it tell their own stories with only minor editing by me. It proved powerful.
But it was a book I had to learn as I wrote it.
Allow Yourself Room to Grow.
I believe that is key. Leave yourself room to grow as a person, and as a writer. Like a little hatchling eventually turns into a beautiful bird, you will be transformed into a writer. In fact, that thought is what I convey to people about my writing course. I take fledgling writers and transform them into published authors.
When you leave room for growth, to flap your wings, you learn not only to fly (write), but to soar (become published).
What an exciting experience it is when you get your book and hold it in your hands for the first time. It feels and smells wonderful to you! You feel transformed!
Now go, write what you know, and watch yourself grow.
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R. Frederick Riddle is an author, teacher, publisher, and the owner of T&R Independent Books. The website is at Home – T&R Independent Bookstore (trbookservices.com). He can be found on Facebook.
