The advice I heard when I first started writing fiction, was this: “Write what you know.” Well, that didn’t work out very well, because I soon discovered that I just didn’t know enough.
So what to do?
I ventured into new territory and took some chances. I began writing what I knew absolutely nothing about, and guess what? I discovered I could learn all kinds of new things.
My first story was about cutting. When I first heard about young people who cut or self-abused in other ways, I was shocked. Then I wanted to know why. It was complicated, but self-abuse was a growing issue-still is. Since Sliding on the Edge was published, there are a lot of other young adult books that address it, and in my opinion, the more that’s written about this, the better.
With Double Negative, I had a chance to explore the issue of illiteracy. I discovered that 1 in 7 people in the United States can’t read. They can’t read a newspaper in print or online. They can’t read instructions on medication. I also discovered a lot of programs that are available for those who want to learn to read, so while that 1 in 7 statistic isn’t positive, the fact that there’s help out there is.
With Shattered, I stepped into a very large sea of uncertainty. I’d lived with people who were disabled, but I wasn’t disabled myself, so I had to do a lot of research in addition to drawing on the experience of those I knew very well and loved. What this book has taught me is probably more than any of the others. I’ve posted before about how people with disabilities are under-represented in books. Like any group, they deserve to have stories, and not stories that depict them as different, but stories that depict them as people.
So what do I want to learn about next? The story’s on my C-Drive, but it has a way to go because this topic is really a big challenge for me. It’s something I hate to read about and something that I dread happening. Unfortunately, it happens all too frequently. I’m still not sure I want to move forward with this project, but I’ve carried it around in my head for a while now, and based on previous experience, it probably won’t go away until I put the story out.
If you write, do you stick with what you know, or do you explore themes and topics you want to learn about?
The winners of the Rafflecopter Giveaway have received their gifts. Congratulations to J.M. on winning the $35. GC. Congratulations to Diane B. Jess H,, Christine R. and Nancy P. on winning the free eBooks of Shattered.
Quote of the Week: The heart and soul of good writing is research; you should write not what you know but what you can find out about. Robert J. Sawyer, Hugo and Nebula Award-Winning Author
I never really thought about it, but writing has taught me a lot. Like how to sink a body…
I tend to work in fantasy, so no, I don’t write what I know. But I like to make up things, so perhaps I write what I want to exist.
I got the autograph in the mail yesterday. Thanks. It’s so cool.
Hi, Cheryl-Lee!
I enjoyed learning how the common wisdom “write what you know” has shifted to “write what you can find out about through research.” Surely the thrill of learning and discovery as a writer explores a new and unfamiliar topic infuses the manuscript with freshness and excitement that might otherwise be absent. I very much admire you for taking risks, tackling subjects that tend to make people uncomfortable and telling stories that need to be told. In a market flooded with books about young romance, yours cut through the clutter and position themselves as more noble pursuits. I can’t wait to find out where your journey will next take you (and us), the next challenging topic on your agenda I recognize myself in your explanation that a persistent idea is likely to stay lodged in your mind until you pour it out in the form of a story.
Enjoy the rest of your week, dear friend Cheryl-Lee!
Good morning, Shady. I couldn’t write a romance if I tried-in fact, I did try once. Totally failed. It’s just not my genre. It seems you understand that nagging, persistent voice of an idea, too. Thanks again for stopping in.
That’s great that you tackle tough issues. I also don’t know enough to write what I know.
That’s great you take on tough issues. I don’t know enough either to wrte what know.
Smiling at your comment. It would be very limiting to write about my small accumulated knowledge. That’s for sure. Thanks again for featuring Shattered. I got emails from friends telling me how lucky I was to be on your blog! You are famous.
You take on the tough issues, which is admirable. Not all of us can do it. You might fight it, but that story won’t leave you alone until you write it.
There seems to be a consenses here that I’m locked into this one. Thank, Alex. You’ve always been a guiding light in this story writing/story promoting journey of mine!
Hi Lee - you certainly draw us in to the reality you are describing in your stories … as I mentioned I believe ‘Shattered’ should be read in schools and discussed - there are so many ideas that need to be out there and be available to be thought about, for when the time comes - as it surely will … even at life’s end - as I experienced with my mother and uncle … how to give them the best, and how to get through myself.
‘Shattered’ definitely deserves to be read by many.
Your next story will be heart-rending by the sound of it - but you won’t be free til the story’s told. Take care - Hilary
That is a beautiful compliment, Hilary. I think I should print this and frame for times when I need a boost. Thank you.
I suspect your difficult subject WILL haunt you until you can find a way to express it.
I don’t think research ever goes astray. Including on subjects you ‘think’ you know. Looking at them from a different perspective often can teach us things.
Write with passion - which from what I have seen and the books of yours I have guzzled, you do.
I like what you say about looking at subject from different perspectives and learning. That’s perfect. Thank you, Sue.