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Shoutout to the 'write what you know' crowd, but I think they're holding people back
I followed that advice for my first novel set in my hometown of Boise, and it felt so small. Then I tried a prompt about a 17th century silk merchant in Venice, did a month of research, and the story just exploded with life. The 'what you know' rule can make your work feel safe and boring. Has anyone else found that writing the exact OPPOSITE of their own life unlocked something better?
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grace_knight704d ago
Totally get what you mean about it feeling small! I wrote a story based on my boring office job and it was flat. Then I tried a space pirate thing and my imagination went wild. Breaking that rule lets you play.
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