Hi everyone! I hope you’re all well. Today, I’m exploring the age-old writing advice “Write what you know”.

Writing What You Know vs. Writing What You Don’t

“Write what you know.” It’s a comforting thought—that our own lives, unique experiences, and our interests can blossom into great stories. But should we only write what we know? What about exploring the unknown? Writing about something entirely outside your personal experience, stepping into unfamiliar shoes and creating something from scratch?

Let’s delve a little deeper!

Why Writing What You Know Matters

The expression “write what you know” has persisted for a good reason. Writing from personal experience has one undeniable strength: authenticity. When you write what you know, you bring nuance and detail that can’t be faked. The emotional truth of a breakup, the aroma of your grandmother’s kitchen after she’s baked, the specific way light filters through your hometown’s trees—these small touches ground your writing in reality. There are also the following advantages:

• Emotional honesty: Readers can sense when a story feels true.
• Efficiency: You don’t have to spend hours researching something you’ve already lived or that you know a lot about.
• Voice: Your unique viewpoint adds richness and originality—nobody sees the world quite like you do.

But there’s a catch: if you only write what you know, you may quickly run out of material—or worse, you may never stretch into the stories you actually want to tell.

The Case for Writing What You Don’t Know

Good writing is also an act of imagination. Think about it: most science fiction writers haven’t actually lived on Mars. Crime novelists may never have committed a crime. Fantasy authors don’t know what it’s like to be a dragon (we assume). And yet, these stories resonate.

Writing What You Don’t Know Encourages:

• Curiosity: You dig deeper, ask more questions, and challenge your assumptions.
• Empathy: You’re forced to step into lives, cultures, and minds that are not your own.
• Freedom: You’re not constrained by your own biography. You can invent, exaggerate, and experiment.

When Writing What You Don’t Know Goes Wrong

The biggest pitfall of venturing into unknown territory is doing so poorly. Readers can tell when something doesn’t add up, whether it’s cultural nuances, historical accuracy, or even basic plot structure. This is why research matters so much.

But beyond factual errors, this approach poses another risk: writing about an experience or culture you don’t understand without taking the time to get it right. If you’re writing outside your lived experience, it’s crucial to approach the story with empathy, awareness, and sensitivity. Consulting people who have lived those experiences can be invaluable.

For example, suppose you’re writing a novel featuring a character of a different ethnicity or cultural background. Reading widely, interviewing people, and even hiring sensitivity readers are steps you can take to ensure your work is respectful and authentic.

Tips for Finding Your Balance

• Start with what you care about: Passion is often more important than experience. If you’re deeply curious, you’ll do the work to get it right.
• Use memory as raw material, not a map: Your personal stories are a resource, but you’re not obligated to stick to them exactly.
• Respect the unknown: When writing about unfamiliar cultures, histories, or identities, do your homework—and listen to people who know better.
• Experiment: Try writing a scene both from your own life and from a completely invented perspective. Notice what changes—and what stays true.

All in all, everyone is different when it comes to writing. Some of the best stories come from deeply personal truths, while others emerge from wild flights of fancy unmoored from reality. It’s following what excites you as a writer and adding a dash of truth with a dollop of imagination to create the recipe for a compelling story.

So yes—write what you know. But don’t be afraid to branch out and explore what you don’t. That space in between? That’s where you grow as a writer.

Thank you, as ever, for reading today’s post!

Until next time,

George

© 2026 GLT

Categories: Generating Ideas, Writing Tips

Tags: advice, research, tips, write what you know, Writer, writing, writing advice, Writing Tips