As a reader, I agree Dascha. As I reader, I like to read about what I don’t know instead of what I know. I prefer writers who write outside their constraints. Yes, be bold, be adventurous, and do research!
Tom Wolfe did a fantastic job of learning worlds he didn't know so he could write about them in a compelling fashion. I don't think one should stick to their own milieu or corner of the world, but its not necessarily a bad place to start to write with confidence and flow. For some people the simple act of putting their thoughts on paper is stepping out of their comfort zone.
I agree. As well, some writers live such interesting lives that writing only about what they know intimately remains fascinating and fresh to their readers. A certain actor/writer who published daily fiction comes to mind though I understand he also writes fantasy. 😉
Yup. The problem is the number of hours I'm already working and the fatigue with my health issues. I need to get a few other things sorted and settled.
Great stuff, Dascha! I couldn’t agree more. I never understood why “write what you know” is given as advice to fledgling writers. Write what you love makes much more sense to me!
Right? On a different, but related note, so many of the grammar rules we think we must adhere to aren't really rules at all. Try reading Dreyer's English! Benjamin Dreyer is the copy chief at Random House. His book on grammar is, believe it or not, both fun and funny, while highly informative.
As a reader, I agree Dascha. As I reader, I like to read about what I don’t know instead of what I know. I prefer writers who write outside their constraints. Yes, be bold, be adventurous, and do research!
Thank you, Barb. It's great to hear that from a reader! Research is so important. I love learning new things, so it's also a treat for me.
I take my writing advice from Outback Steakhouse: "No rules, just right."
Tom Wolfe did a fantastic job of learning worlds he didn't know so he could write about them in a compelling fashion. I don't think one should stick to their own milieu or corner of the world, but its not necessarily a bad place to start to write with confidence and flow. For some people the simple act of putting their thoughts on paper is stepping out of their comfort zone.
I agree. As well, some writers live such interesting lives that writing only about what they know intimately remains fascinating and fresh to their readers. A certain actor/writer who published daily fiction comes to mind though I understand he also writes fantasy. 😉
That guy is jonesing to get time to finish a fantasy novel
I hear you! I'm supposed to be editing novel 3 of my series and haven't touched it in 2 weeks!
An hour a day...
Yup. The problem is the number of hours I'm already working and the fatigue with my health issues. I need to get a few other things sorted and settled.
Great stuff, Dascha! I couldn’t agree more. I never understood why “write what you know” is given as advice to fledgling writers. Write what you love makes much more sense to me!
Right? On a different, but related note, so many of the grammar rules we think we must adhere to aren't really rules at all. Try reading Dreyer's English! Benjamin Dreyer is the copy chief at Random House. His book on grammar is, believe it or not, both fun and funny, while highly informative.