How to Write What You Know

We've all been handed the advice "Write What You Know" at one point or another on your writing journey. But what does that mean? How will people know if we're writing outside of that?
Good questions. We'll address them and others like, "What does it mean in today's publishing environment?"
Experience or research? Both? What are the pitfalls that might expose us? Does it matter? Are different genres equipped with different rules?
All that and more on this episode of Collaborcast with hosts Jason Buchholz and Ben LeRoy.
Thanks to Katelyn Ferral for producing and Self-Help for the music.
#amwriting #writingadvice #beginnerwriter #writewhatyouknow #amediting #publishing #howtowrite #fiction #fictionwriting

[@wendebeedle6941]

Hey guys, I'm so glad you brought this topic up, especially in regards to writing in one's own demographic group because the waters are dicey and navigating through it can be influential in one's career as an author.
The nuances around this are so subtle, and you are correct in which it doesn't matter what side you're on. The topic will be brought up at some point, even in the self-publishing world.
Thanks for another great episode!

[@awade116]

Thanks for another informative episode.

[@GinamarieTalford]

I’ve always been fascinated by the “willing suspension of disbelief” conversation which has been around forever, but propelled by Coleridge’s Biographia Literaria en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biographia_Literaria where the phrase was coined and then it exploded with the publication of Edgar Allan Poe’s tales and the dialogue he directs to the reader at the beginning of the tale itself. Love both authors.
Perhaps intention infused with research and due diligence and caring are what makes for a great book. True not everyone will enjoy it, but it doesn’t matter.
The “Triggering” discussion is quite important; so glad you are shedding light on this.
Keep doing what you’re doing
“Doesn’t know much” & “Me neither.” Obviously, you both know and care about much.

[@writerstevens]

The cassette tape analogy is so good (for those who remember cassette tapes). I think Willy Vlautin is amazing at nailing authenticity because his writing drips with empathy for those characters. I never doubt a moment with his writing, which often includes many locales as characters travel.