Bust the Rules – Write what you know
Rule: Only write what you know
Why this is a rule
If a writer doesn’t know what they’re talking about, they can’t be expected to portray their subject matter accurately or convincingly to the reader.
Write what you know comes close to Show, Don't Tell as one of the most quoted pieces of writing advice. In some cases, it might be good advice – depends on who’s doing the writing.
Why you should bust it:
Many new writers take this rule at face value and assume they’re only supposed to write about things they’ve experienced. So, you’ve worked in an office all your life, is that really the only thing you can write about? I don’t think so. Truly, this rule doesn’t so much need breaking as redefining.
I prefer Lee Child’s advice – Don’t write about what you know, write about what you feel.
For instance, unlike your protagonist in the scene you want to write, you may never have had a gun pointing at you, but, at some time in your life, you’ve probably experienced the feeling of fear. That’s what you write about.
Or, Tracy Chevalier’s approach, Write what you know and if you don’t know, then go and find out.
If you have a great idea for a story, fill in the gaps in your knowledge with research. When you do that, you can write what you know, can’t you.
Write what you know doesn't mean that you can't write about things, feelings, or places you've never experienced. Never let this rule limit what you write about. You’re a writer, use your imagination. Bust the Rule!
In my writing I’ve been male, female, gay, black, white, and all sorts of nationalities. I’ve visited countries all over the world in every possible era from Ancient Greece to Medieval Britain to current day – and beyond. I’ve also been a whole range of criminal types and investigators. I used what I know, what I’ve read or seen, and imagined or researched the rest.
What a wonderful life!
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