About What You Know

Post 1358:

They say you should write what you know. They say a lot of things about writing, vague words of wisdom about writing wisely. Words to write by.

Writing what you know makes some sense. I just wouldn’t follow it too closely. You probably know a lot, sure, but there’s even more that you don't. Not because you’re limited. Because we’re all limited. That’s where imagination comes in handy. Creativity. Mental and psychological inquiry and exploration. Get out there. Get weird.

I understand the point of the expression, Write what you know. It helps when an author can lend some reality to their story. If you want to write about garbage men, it’s probably helpful to the reader if you can describe the ins and outs of waste management. Then again, I’d rather hear a really great story about garbage men that is full of inaccuracies about the world of garbage. You can nail the reality part and it can be the most boring thing ever.

There are no rules on this one. Some people will limit themselves by writing what they know. Others will thrive within such confines. I offer no advice except to think about it before becoming an adherent to any broad piece of advice. Except the advice I give. That’s all correct. You can tell by my surging popularity. Finger on the pulse over here. I know it.

Cheers and see you after.