Write What You Know
Written by Harry
September 2, 2008
‘Write what you know’ is a phrase often heard within creative writing circles and it’s a almost a cliché. There is good reason for the saying, though, and within gaming and role-playing, writing what you know provides one of the keys that let you add depth to your storylines and characters.
No Golden Shovel Awards
You can fluff some of the details and use creative freedom, yes. You don’t need to be an expert. But if you try to fake the details too much, it’s guaranteed that someone will call you out. People know bullshit. They know when you’re bullshitting them. Players can smell it from a mile away.
Writing with authority isn’t enough. You have to have a foundation to back it up, or at least write enough of the truth to help suspend gamer disbelief.
You Know A Lot More Than You Think
Writing what you know goes beyond research or experiencing the event or activity for yourself.
Writing what you know means exactly that – writing what you know. For example, I enjoy reading fantasy and creative fiction in the horror genre. Would I attempt to write a murder mystery or political thriller?
No, I wouldn’t. I have no mind for politics or the behind-the-scenes subterfuge, nor do I enjoy figuring out convoluted mystery plots. I know fantasy. I know horror. I know what works in these genres and what doesn’t.
The same goes for you. Look at what you read and what you enjoy. Start there. You can probably create your own work just from what you already know. You have all the information right there waiting for you.
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A corollary for (tabletop) roleplayers: Let others describe what they know. If some player happens to be an expert in explosives and some character fails a roll with explosives, let the expert player tell what went wrong.
Tommis last blog post..Gaming update: Burning Wheel
You’ve clinched it then! My first book shall be in the ever popular epically horrific fantastically historic romance genre! Ow. Maybe I should just pick one or two to start.
Nicole Brunets last blog post..Mum & Dad go boating
I’ve been thinking more about this, particularly after your post about making it look easy. This is sort of related, and non-related at the same time, so bear with me. It makes sense to write what you know if your goal is writing something really well, and sure, you’d improve some along the way.
So what about taking on something we don’t know just for the challenge of it? After all, the reason we don’t know it is because we haven’t exposed ourselves to it. Does that mean we shouldn’t? Wouldn’t we learn a lot more? New info. New style. New perspective if nothing else.
Then, after more and more exposure, it will become something you “know”, yes? So sure, write what you know, and it will show in what you write. Then, once in a while, tackle what you don’t know, and you will find yourself slowly becoming a more well-rounded writer. What you don’t know is now what you know! Ya know?
Nicoles last blog post..Mum & Dad go boating
Got one for you, Nicole: Write what you know. I think that’ll answer your questions or confirm your thoughts.
Heh heh. So I’m just a year and a half behind now? In that case, I’m making great progress.
Nicoles last blog post..Mum & Dad go boating
[...] Write what you know is one of my mantras. I tell this to new writers and gamers all the time. First-hand experience of an event or a particular local makes your fiction writing work come alive with detail. [...]