We've all heard "Write what you know" many times...but how often do we stretch our imaginations to delve into unknown areas? Surely, those who write paranormal and fantasies do just that.
I have to admit, I don't always follow that rule. My life might seem too boring to put on paper and turn into a page-turning romance book. I taught school. Raised kids. Play bridge. Bowl. Everyday stuff lots of people do.
Do I write about historical figures or wealthy world travelers? No. I'm not a history expert and certainly not wealthy. Travel? I've taken a cruise, been to Canada and Mexico, and visited lots of states here in the USA. But, can't say I've been to intriguing spots of the rich and famous?
Does the Grand Canyon count?
My first book, "Second Sight Dating", is definitely pure fiction. I never used a dating service. But, I know two couples who did and got married. Am I psychic? No, but that didn't stop me from making my heroine one. I have no background in detective work (unless you count the endless detective TV shows I watch), but I did ask a former police officer a few questions.
I guess I kinda wrote what I knew. Hmm.
My second book, "Street of Dreams", is a paranormal. This time, I could make up stuff and not have to have real background for it. But, I did have some knowledge of the time setting since I sent my H/H back to 1965...a time I remember. And, I sent them to a specific place and time that I could relate to and had knowledge of.
I guess I kinda wrote what I knew. Hmm.
My third book, "Gone to the Dogs", I wrote in first person. Yep, I have a Corgi and put him in the book. Wrote things in the book about the Wizard of Oz and Kansas...where I live. But the advertising business...I kinda threw in things I remembered from TV shows again.
I guess I kinda wrote what I knew. Hmm.
Now the next two books are erotic romances. I think I'll end this blog here, and not give away information about "writing what I know" for those. Although, I do play cards and my husband was in the military...like my book "Strip Poker for Two".
Then there's my newest release, "Sexy Games"...and it's time for me to stop!
So...do you write what you know? Enjoy reading books and wonder if the author is doing just that?
"Sexy Games", by April Ash, is now available from Ellora's Cave:
http://www.ellorascave.com/productpage.asp?ISBN=9781419922978
Click image to one-click your copy of Soldiers of Fortune
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9 comments:
LOL I love this post. Yes, we only write what we know sorta.
Thanks, Marianne.
Oh sure! I'm an expert on cat sex! And a total expert on pro wrestling? NOT! But I do know a lot about the way people interact. Guess that makes me an expert. But I recall a comedian once telling me the Webster's Dictionary defines "ex" as a "has-been", and a "SPURT" AS A "drip under pressure". So, I suppose I am. LOL!
I may throw a little of what I know in my books, but I'm certainly not knowledgable about all of it. Though, a little reseach will do the trick. :)
ROFL April. I laughed at the way you stop short before saying Wrote what I knew on Strip Poker For Two.
I write what I know, most of the time, but I also check the Internet a lot. Usually I don't like to write about a place where I've never been.
Write what I know? LOL! I'd spend all my time describing my crazy Italian/Polish family--which I kind of do because many of my character's share that in my contemporary stories. But trust me, it's the only data I don't have to do some kind of research on! Loved the post;-)
I put a little of my cooking skills into two of my books, and some 'what if' situations...so yeah, I pretty much follow that advice...esp the college series, lol!
So it looks like we do write what we know...with maybe a little help from research!
Thanks to Sandy, Fran, Molly, Mona,
Amber and Paris for commenting! Now I know how you all write your creative stories!
I include a lot of what I know here and there. But if everyone only wrote what they knew, all we'd get would be autobiography!
(even as fictionalized as some of them are *cough* Errol Flynn, I'm looking at you)
I don't know how to fly a space-ship, but I do know about trucking. Cargo-hauling spaceships are just big rigs to the stars.
I didn't know much about 13th century English politics. I learned. But I do know what it feels like to be in love, to hike through the woods and to eat food cooked over a woodfire in the clear air. I know what it's like to think I'm being pursued by someone intent on harming me. So, while I'm not Robin Hood, or even Maid Marion, I can write them.
I write some of what I know and imagine the rest.
Well said, Angelia! Thanks for your insight!
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