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Guest Blogger Dixie Somers writes:

If you’re a writer, you’ve no-doubt heard the phrase “write what you know” in every workshop you’ve attended. But what does that actually mean? Should you only write about your personal experiences? Do you have to be an expert on a topic to write about it? Not necessarily! To get a better grasp on this common writing tidbit, I’m here to break it down and help you find what you “know.” So grab your pen and paper (or keyboard) and let’s dive into this together.

What is “Knowing?”

To start, let’s define what it means to “know.” The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines it as having a clear perception or understanding of something. So when we’re told to write what we know, it means writing about things that we have a good grasp on and can easily convey to others. This can include personal experiences, but it doesn’t have to be limited to just that.

This also doesn’t mean that you should restrict yourself to writing about your everyday life. If that were the case, nearly all of our novels, movies, and TV shows would be about waking up, going to work, and grocery shopping. Not the most gripping content, for sure. While these activities are no less real, needful, and common, it doesn’t mean that “writing what you know” should be restricted to just the mundane. In fact, the more you transform “what you know,” the more potential you have!

Personal Experiences

Writing from personal experience is one way to incorporate the concept of “writing what you know” into your work. Your unique perspective can make for powerful and relatable storytelling. Bear in mind that you don’t have to limit yourself to just your own experiences, either. You can also draw from the experiences of those around you, such as family stories, or even the latest research and learn about new topics to incorporate into your writing.

By incorporating personal experiences into your writing, you add a touch of authenticity to your words. Personal experiences hold emotions, details, and moments that can be difficult to fully capture unless dictated. This also allows readers to connect with your writing on a deeper level, as they may have gone through similar experiences themselves. Some examples could be the death of a loved one, a moment of clarity you’ve had, or an unforgettable experience. Adding personal touches in your writing can make your words more engaging for readers, so don’t ever think your life is “too boring” to draw from. No two people’s lives are the same: embrace that variety that makes your life yours.

Research and Imagination

Another way to write what you know is through research and your own imagination. Take the time to dive deeply into a topic that interests you, whether it be through books, articles, or interviews with experts. Then use your imagination to put yourself in different scenarios related to that topic and see where it takes you. Combining knowledge gained through research with your own creativity can lead to compelling and well-informed writing that’ll reach out and grab anyone who comes across it.

While these two topics aren’t the be-all-end-all, science fiction and fantasy hold tremendous potential for cultivating your imagination. These genres often take real scientific concepts or historical events and add a creative twist, resulting in rich and intricate worlds. Authors such as J.R.R. Tolkien (with The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings), Ursula K. Le Guin (Tales from the Earthsea), and Mary Shelley (Frankenstein) have crafted entire universes based on their own extensive research and imagination. They’ve shown that by incorporating what you know with your creativity, you can create captivating stories that transport readers to new and exciting places.

Another way to write what you know is through your own dreams! Dreams can be an intriguing, if not bizarre, source of inspiration and can often reveal deep-seated thoughts, fears, and desires that you may not be aware of in your waking life. But by paying attention to your dreams and incorporating them into your writing, you can add layers of depth and complexity to your work. As any writer knows, there’s nothing greater than seeing the ideas in your head come to life on a page.

Emotions and Empathy

Writing what you know also means tapping into your emotions and empathy. Even if you haven’t experienced something firsthand, you can still write about it by putting yourself in someone else’s shoes and trying to understand their perspective. By connecting with readers on an emotional level, you can create powerful and impactful writing that comes from a place of understanding.

To better connect with emotions and empathy, try some creative exercises. These can include writing from the perspective of a different gender, age, or cultural background than your own. You can also try writing in different genres to challenge yourself and explore new perspectives. By continuously practicing these exercises, you’ll not only improve your ability to write what you know but also strengthen your understanding and empathy towards others.

Next time someone tells you to “write what you know,” don’t feel limited or stuck. Instead, think about all the different ways that you can apply this concept to your writing. Draw from personal experiences, research and imagination, and emotions and empathy to create work that is meaningful, authentic, and uniquely yours. Remember, there’s no one way to “know” something—it’s all about finding your own perspective and using it to connect with others through your writing. Happy writing!

Dixie Somers is a freelance writer who loves to write for business, health, and women’s interests. She lives in Arizona with her husband and three beautiful daughters. You can find her on Twitter (X) and Facebook.