Write What You Know: What Does It Really Mean?

“Write what you know.” If you’ve dipped your toes into the writing world, you’ve probably heard this advice countless times.

But what does it actually mean? Does it mean you’re stuck writing about your daily routine or the town you grew up in? Not at all!

What Does “Write What You Know” Really Mean?

Most people think “write what you know” means sticking to your personal experiences. If you’ve never traveled to space, you can’t write space westerns, right? Wrong.

This advice isn’t about limiting yourself. Instead, it’s about grounding your stories in things you understand deeply. That could mean emotions, perspectives, or even hobbies. It’s less about facts and more about truth—emotional, personal, or universal.

For example:

• Never fought a dragon? Sure, but you might know what it feels like to face fear or self-doubt. Use that!
• Never lived in the 18th century? You can still research it and pair it with your understanding of family dynamics or ambition.

How to Write What You Know

Here are some tips to apply this advice in your writing:

Start with Your Emotional Truth

Think about moments in your life when you’ve felt intense joy, grief, fear, or love. Draw on those experiences to shape your characters’ emotional journeys.

Grounding your narrative in real emotions adds authenticity. The specifics may differ, but readers will recognize the genuine emotion.

Find Universal Themes in Your Experiences

Your life is filled with stories, big and small, that hold universal truths. Focus on the broader themes—overcoming adversity, finding love, or learning from failure—and weave those into your writing. Readers connect with these shared experiences, even if your background is different from theirs.

Tap Into Your Passions and Interests

What topics excite you? When you write about something you truly care about, your enthusiasm becomes contagious, and readers will sense your enthusiasm.

Mine Your Memories for Details

Reflect on your memories for sensory details—how a place smelled, the texture of an object, or the sound of a specific moment.

Small, vivid details make stories come alive. For instance, if your character visits a diner, draw on your memories of the last time you ate in one.

Blend Reality with Imagination

Writing what you know doesn’t mean writing a carbon copy of your life. Use your experiences as a jumping-off point, then let your imagination take over. For example, you can base a character’s personality on someone you know but place them in a completely different world.

Practice in Bite-Sized Pieces

Break your writing down into small, manageable exercises. It’ll help you tap into your experiences and emotions. Try writing a paragraph that describes a memory, a short scene inspired by a real-life event, or a brief dialogue based on a conversation you’ve had. These small efforts will add up over time.

Why Writing What You Know Matters

When you write what you know, your stories feel real. Readers connect well with authenticity, and you become relatable and believable.

The emotions you use—positive or negative—are universal. Even if your exact circumstances differ from your readers’, the truth in those feelings will translate.

Of course, writing what you know means writing with confidence. Your words flow naturally, making them engaging and impactful.

Nonfiction authors illustrate this perfectly. They often write from their own expertise or personal stories. And yet, their audience can empathize with them, even if they haven’t lived through the same events. Authenticity becomes the bridge.

Remember: What You Know Isn’t Static

What you know changes as you live and learn. Every day, you gain new experiences that can enrich your writing.

For example:

• Pick up a new hobby or skill. It could inspire a fresh story idea.
• Travel to a new place or meet new people. Each encounter gives you new perspectives from which to write.
• Write regularly. You’ll pick up new tricks and hone old techniques. You might even uncover new insights about yourself.

You Can Write What You Don’t Know (Yet!)

Here’s the truth: writing isn’t just about personal experience. Research is your secret weapon.

Dive deep into the topics you want to write about. Read books, watch documentaries, or interview subject experts. There’s no rule against borrowing from what other people know. Tolkien created an entire world with deep lore by combining his imagination with scholarly work.

Research gives your story credibility. Your emotions, perspectives, and thoughts make it unique.

Eventually, you’ll want to step outside your comfort zone. That’s a good thing! Growth as a writer happens when you challenge yourself. Anchor the unfamiliar in something you understand. Then slowly stretch it.

Final Thoughts

“Write what you know” isn’t a rule to box you in—it’s a foundation to build on. Your experiences, emotions, and knowledge don’t define your creative boundaries.

Combine them with your imagination and research. When you do, you can write stories that feel honest, relatable, and personal.

How do you write what you know? Share your thoughts below!

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