Write What You Know

Years ago while I struggled with completing my first book, my writing mentor, Rik Feeney, told me to write what I know. I said, "What do I know? All I know is I have five children and my wife is pregnant ...". My book on fatherhood birthed in that moment of clarity.

Writing what you know is a heck of a lot easier than researching a topic you know little about and then writing with authority on the subject. Transitioning to writing about fatherhood was simple. Writing came much more easily to me and I completed my first book.

Every writer knows something about life. Every writer has experienced life from his/her own perspective. Each writer has more books available to them than they ever imagine. Stepping back to figure out what you 'know' in life is key.

I've seen writers who know how to cook. Cookbooks sell well no matter what's on the bestseller lists. Other writers know cars or woodworking or real estate. These topics do not have to be limited to nonfiction either.

I know a realtor writing a murder mystery that has as its protagonist, you got it, a realtor. There are many creative way to weave what you know into a book. Writers are creative by nature. An author simply takes what they know and works that knowledge into a book.

Nonfiction books sell more easily. If you are looking for some money, stay with nonfiction if at all possible. Fiction is a tougher sell, but that does not mean a writer should give up. It does mean the writer needs to be aware of the cold, hard truths of fiction. Selling it takes a lot of marketing and promotion above and beyond what you have to do with nonfiction.

So, what do YOU know? Are you a homemaker? What are some of the eclectic things you do or make? Do you tinker with things? Sewing? Woodwork? Car repair? Music connoisseur? Food expert? Read tons of books? (Book reviewer opportunity).

Remember, it's the little things that count. When you have a specific 'little' thing you do well, there is often a very targeted niche market that would be interested in what and how you do this 'little' thing.

There are any number of aspects and experiences to your life that you can translate into a book. What must happen is you must step back, look at your life and what you do, especially what you enjoy doing, and begin writing about it.

My good friend and fellow writer Rebekah Hunter Scott loves to write tongue in cheek about the daily trials of motherhood. Her upcoming book, Motherhood is Easy: As Long as You Have Nothing to do for the Next 50 Years, is a hoot! I know, I've read the ARC (Advanced Reader Copy). Children offer a writer more material than the writer could possibly put into words.

Aged parents could just as easily turn into a book. Another writer acquaintance, Carol D. O'Dell wrote the book Mothering Mother. This book chronicles Carol's care-giving for her mother afflicted with Alzheimer's.

We all have something going on in our lives we can write about that will be of interest to others. As an author, sit down one day and quiet yourself. Look at your life. See the things you take for granted. Think about whether some of your strengths would match up with a narrow, niche market. That is where you will win acclaim for your writing. That is where your road to success may begin.

Give yourself a chance and take the time to ask, "What do I know?"