Writing What You Know

It’s been said many times, that if you write from something you know, the book will be great then if you try to write what you don’t know.  A perfect example of this is seen when police detectives write about crime, when lawyers write about defending someone, chief’s write cook books, etc.  That’s the same from personal tragedy. 

Writing can also be one of the most therapeutic ways to heal one self.  By writing your experience down, you unleash many feelings, some of which you may be suppressing due to fear.  But when those feelings come up and are released and dealt with, you can then see things in a much clearer way.  You may even begin to see a different point of view.  All of this may allow for some healing.

My first story that I wrote was a short story entitled $200 Alan.  I wrote from the heart about something that was happening to me.  It was published and that in turn started my writing career.  Each time I wrote something that was from the heart, from my experience, it became published.  It did not matter if it was an article, a letter to the publisher, a book, etc.  I was writing from what I knew and experienced.  This is not to say that everything you write will be published for others to read, but it may be that simple act of unleashing your thoughts and feelings that end up healing you and those around you.

So when life has gotten you down, and you feel there is no one listening or you just need to get the demons out, write.  The first thing you write may inspire you to write more, or just give you a sense of peace.

Cheers,

Alan