The most common advice is to “write what you know,” but this is often misunderstood by many writers.
As a new writer, you may think that you need to have extensive knowledge about a topic to write about it.
“Knowing” means being aware of the topic and understanding what you are going to write.
However, it’s actually the other way around.
Knowing is not the same as understanding.
You will understand something better when you write about that topic.
For example, if you have to write about your pen, you will start thinking with your conscious brain about the color, brand, ink, and how smoothly the pen writes.
But there is a lot of information stored in your subconscious brain about the pen.
This reveals itself when you start writing about it.
Once the conscious information is expressed, it makes way for the subconscious information.
The subconscious information mostly comprises emotions, feelings, and memories attached to that pen.
- When did you purchase it? Or was it gifted to you?
- Why was it gifted?
- Why is that pen so dear to you?
- What did you write with it for the first time?
It will build a story.
You won’t start because you are stuck thinking about what you know about the subject.
Once you start, you will gain a better understanding of the topic. The process of writing will reveal your understanding of the topic.
Don’t just write what you know.
Write what you want to know and understand.