Dare to be Daring

"Write what you know."

Out of all the little tidbits out there, I think this is the advice that's dished out the most. And I also think it's some of the WORST.
When you only write the things you know and are comfortable with, you'll probably be able to pump out plenty of stories. But they'll be boring and uninspiring.

And you definitely don't want that.

I like to say, "If your heart isn't pounding, you're doing something wrong."

If it's not compelling to you, what makes you think your reader will find it compelling.

Instead of writing strictly what you know, I believe you should write about things you're passionate about. Write something that intrigues you. Even if you don't "know" it.

That's what research is for.

My current WIP, OPHELIA, is about gangs, abuse, drugs, and all sorts of nastiness. Before I started writing, the only things I knew about gangs was what the school resource officer taught us during those annoying safety seminars that I only half-listened to. So, honestly, not a lot. Basically, the only thing I knew was: Gangs/Drugs/Street Life = Bad.

So, before I started, I watched documentaries, read books and articles, and became pretty well-versed in the inner workings of gangs.

There's a scene where Ophelia participates in stealing a car. I've never stolen a car before. I didn't know how you'd go about getting in or getting it started or any of that. So, a few sketchy Google searches and one awkward in-person interview later, I now know how it's done (I'm not ever gonna use that knowledge for anything but my writing. I swear!) and got my scene written.

Basically what I'm saying is: Just because you don't know about something right now, don't think you can't write about. All it takes is a little research.

Break out of your bubble and write something that makes your palms sweat!

HAPPY WRITING, LOVELIES!