Write What You Know--or Not?

One piece of advice I'm sure every writer has heard--and possibly followed--is "write what you know." I always thought it made sense until I recently read a different take on the subject in "The Writer's Idea Book" by Jack Heffron. Mr. Heffron tells the story of a good friend who was determined to become a writer upon retiring from a big-city police force. His 30+ years on the beat had given him the edge to write crime stories--or so he thought. His stories, while filled with technical jargon and the ins and outs of police work, were dull and lacking in plot and character. Upon seeking advice from Mr. Heffron on how to bring more life into his work, the conversation somehow drifted to a collection of beer memorabilia that littered his home. Noticing the light in his eyes and the passion with which he discussed those items, Mr. Heffron advised him to stop with the crime stories and start with the beer(writing about it, that is!) It became obvious that, while he knew a ton about being a cop, it was something he no longer enjoyed or held a passion for. Once he began to write about a subject that held an interest for him, he went on to publish with several prestigious trade magazines.

The point of the story is this, as Mr. Heffron puts it: "Too often we choose to write about what we think others will like, or what's hot in the marketplace. If writing about something feels like a guilty pleasure, you're on the right track." He goes on to say that we should forget about writing strictly about what we know, and write about what we like. (and if what you know and what you like are one in the same, even better!) The more I thought about it, the more I agreed. When you're excited and interested in what you are writing about, it will show on the page. Your passion will come through in the scenes and breathe life into your characters. Not only will you produce a work you can be proud of, but you'll also produce a work that your readers will love. Happy writing!

All These Distractions!

With my sons off to school and a cup of hot decaf tea in hand, I sat down at my computer thinking, "Ah, yes--finally--the chance to do some serious writing."

Then, the phone rang. Youngest child got sick at school and needed to be picked up. Distraction number one.

Returned home, sat down once more (after reheating the tea)and poised my fingers over the keyboard. The timer on the dryer went off. Can't leave the clothes to wrinkle. Distraction number two. Clothes are out of the dryer--now, shouldn't I fold them and put them away? Distraction number three.

I could go on, but you get the idea. It's easy to become distracted from your work. You plan on writing that next great scene, that pitch to sell your latest article, thank you notes for your Christmas gifts, whatever. Your intentions are good, but there are just too many other things that keep you from completing the task. What can you do to stop this vicious cycle?

First, try to set aside a specific time each day to write. Dedicate that time to writing and nothing else. Unless there's a tornado heading straight for your office or you're being robbed at gunpoint (neither of which I hope ever happen to you!) don't let anything stop you. KBIC--keep butt in chair--and write. You might even plan specifically what you want to get written each day and dedicate yourself to not stopping until that day's writing task is completed.

Secondly, find a quiet spot away from things that may tempt you to stray from your seat. Don't sit where you can see the sink full of dirty dishes, or in my case, the basket of clean clothes. Believe it or not, those things will still be there (unfortunately) when you've finished your writing time.

If you have children, keep them occupied while you work by allowing them to watch a favorite video, draw on paper, or any other task that they can enjoy with minimal or no supervision from you. Be sure to set down "writing time" rules with children of any age; i.e. "I will be working in my office, at my desk, at the table, etc. You are NOT allowed to bother me unless it is an emergency." You can decide what constitutes an emergency in your home, and perhaps offer a small reward if they follow the rules.

What other distractions have you encountered, and how did you work through them? Please feel free to share your comments below. Thanks!