how can I know what I want to write? I'm just trying to write and I don't know what I can write, when I write like ijust delete it quickly because I don't like it :(((
How To ‘Write What You Know’
Hi, Anon! Thank you for sending in your question! I know writing can be overwhelming sometimes but hopefully these tips can help you “know what to write.” I hope this helps!
What Does ‘Write What You Know’ Mean?
“Write what you know” is a piece of writing advice that many aspiring authors are probably sick of hearing but it’s one of the most common advices there is for a reason!
Writing about what you know can take many different forms depending on your writing process and the sort of creative writing project you’re working on.
Writing what you know can range from your expertise in a favorite movie, tv show, book, anime, manga, etc. that’s why often a lot of the time fan fiction is an easy go to. However, it doesn’t necessarily have to be the few mentioned, if you like tattoos and know a little bit about them maybe writing characters or a quick sentence revolving around that can be a great idea too! Remember: what you’re familiar with and know is one step closer to fleshing out an idea inspired off of your knowledge.
Even if you’re not a complete expect on tattoos, jellyfish, card tricks or whatever you’re interested in don’t be afraid to try and write about it and do research! A lot of great and established writers are never afraid to do research.
Don’t be afraid to just write/ type out whatever pops in your head, there’s a reason why successful writers have multiple drafts. Don’t be harsh on yourself from the start allow yourself to write the silliest thing in your mind and roll with it. Word vomit on the page!
Buy writing prompt books,. There are a million of random writing prompts that can inspire you to branch off of their single sentence idea and create your own story!
4 Ways to Write What You Know
Writing what you know at its simplest level can involve writing about your own life and first-hand personal experiences. If you’re writing fiction or pieces outside of your life experience, it can take a bit more know-how and hard work to find how you relate to your subject matter.
Follow emotional truths. As a good writer, it’s your job to find a way into the material. One way to do this is to focus on the emotional realities of the characters in your piece and look for common ground. J.K. Rowling has very little in common with the fantastical life of Harry Potter, but that doesn’t mean she can’t relate to the universal experience of a teenager trying to find their way in the world during their high school years. As you start writing, especially if you’re a first-time nonfiction writer or are tackling your first novel, look for emotional common ground with your characters.
Reflect on a period of time in your life. Take some time apart from your work to think about a specific time in your life. This can help you find a way into a piece you are working on. Fiction writers like Ernest Hemingway often take direct inspiration from autobiographical events then loosely fictionalize them to use in a novella or full-length novel. First-time fiction writers might find that taking a specific event from their lives and fictionalizing it will demystify the fiction-writing process and help them break through writer’s block.
Freewrite. Freewriting about your own life, whether it be in journal form or something more abstract, is a great way to figure out connections between your personal life and your writing. At first you may not see how deeply personal your work is because, on the surface, it feels so separate from your personal life. Taking the time to write about your writing and the way it intersects with your life can help you see links and forge a more personal connection with your work
Place yourself in your character’s shoes. If you’re having a tough time relating to your work, take a moment to fully inhabit one of your characters and think about how you would approach whatever situation they find themselves in. You’ll always want to empathize with your characters, but setting aside a specific time to reflect on a character’s motives can help you understand them more deeply. What would you do if you found yourself in your character’s position? In what ways is it reminiscent of situations from your past?
I hope this help you Anon or anyone else who might have trouble!
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