One of the cardinal rules pounded into writers, especially new writers, is “Write about what you know.”
I call bullshit on that.
It’s bad advice. It’s limiting. Yes, if you’re an expert on a topic, any topic, and you have “writing chops,” it’s good to write about the topic on which you’re an expert—if there’s a market for it. But some topics are so esoteric that there won’t be many people interested in reading your book. Or buying it. Rare corals? Obscure 17th century composers? Where is your audience? What’s the point?
On the other hand, many of us writers aren’t experts at anything—except, perhaps, writing. So what are we to write about? Should we just put aside our authorial ambitions because there’s nothing we’re true experts at?
That’s where research comes in. I’ve written over 100 books. Am I an expert on every topic I’ve written about? Heck, no! But I can research (although I hate doing it), whether that means going online to read up on a subject, or interviewing someone who really is an expert, or reading materials in print.
But that’s nonfiction. What about fiction writers? Should they write only what they know?
How do you explain all the popular science fiction books? Did all these authors really go to the moon, Mars, and beyond? Hogwash! Did all the authors of books about murderers or the mob actually kill people, or belong to the Mafia? What about books about dragons and griffins and unicorns? Do you think the authors have personal knowledge of these creatures? How do you explain such children’s classics as ALICE IN WONDERLAND or HARRY POTTER or THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS or CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY? Pure imagination! Do you think most authors of mysteries or police procedurals have actually been private investigators or police officers?
If you’re a writer, budding writer, or aspiring writer, don’t feel constrained to write only about what you know. Spread your wings. Use your imagination.
Soar. And then write.