Write What You Love September 17, 2008
Posted by Becca in Write On Wednesday.trackback
”If there’s a book that you really want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it.”
Toni Morrison
At one time or another, every writer has been advised to “write what you know.” That’s valid advice- to a degree. Sometimes, it’s possible to know too much about our subject, and our writing becomes imbued with a sense of boredom or didacticism rather than brimming with the excitement of discovery.
I think writing should be a journey for the writer as well as for the reader, and the writer who carefully mines their passions and interests for subject matter will do well to look to those areas that are not only fascinating, but somewhat mysterious.
I often write about family relationships because I’m interested in the dynamics that exist in families, between siblings, parents and children, and across generations. Besides that, I love reading about families and the way they handle the ups and downs in their lives. In both novels I’ve written for NaNoWriMo, I’ve explored different aspects of family relationships and the legacies they leave. During my writing I’ve come to some totally unexpected discoveries about my self and my family, discoveries that have led the story into unplanned directions. The novel I’m thinking about for this year once again pursues this theme, concentrated on the relationship between husband and wife and the way it changes over time.
Write about what you’d like your life to be – have your characters living the dream life you’ve always wanted, and I can almost guarantee these characters will be exciting and real. Write essays about something you’ve always wanted to explore – the Mediterranean, or Asian culture, or gourmet cooking. Delving into your passions on paper will bring them to life in entirely new ways.
How about you? Is there a book you’d love to read that hasn’t been written? What do you love reading about, and how could you write about it? What fascinates you that could become the subject for your next story, essay, poem, or blog post?
Write On Wednesday “Extra Credit” Prompt: Make a list of 10 things you’re interested in learning more about…choose one and write about it in a way that inpsires a reader to want to know more about it as well.
Postscript: A couple of weeks past, we talked about The Power of Place in our writing. Take a look at this video-post from writer Beth Kephart, as she talks about the power of place in her latest young adult novel.
This set me thinking. I love the Morrison quote.
My reading and writings are kind of unrelated most of the times. My poetry is mostly about what is in my mind at that particular point of time.
Here are my thoughts on this topic:
http://firmlyrooted.blogspot.com/2008/09/depth-of-hell-pours-forth-tirade-of.html
Thanks for the Video link!
You can find my response here: http://keepthisonthedl.blogspot.com/2008/09/write-on-wednesday_17.html
and I tried my hand at this here:
http://amidweststory.blogspot.com/2008/09/if-you-like-it.html
I took up this challenge, ran with it and then returned to see if I were on the right track. I don’t think it matters. I didn’t write at all about books I read but more about books I’d like to write.
Just things I am wondering about and what I would love to know more about.
Wrong? I don’t think so. It will be fun to read the responses from this community.
Bonnie
My first time here. You’ll find something in this post:
http://beyondtheblog.wordpress.com/2008/09/18/tony-on-writing-downturn-more
Enjoy.
Becca, … this week got all crazy … and haven’t done my prompt yet … maybe today? Don’t want to miss doing it…ciao!
Here’s my post. Finally made time to write.
http://thethingswewrite.blogspot.com/2008/09/write-on-wednesday.html
I also started a separate blog for writing. Its not finished yet. Playing with colors, etc. I kinda like the orange but let me know what you think.
Slow but sure! I’m up there!
http://themarmeladegypsy.blogspot.com/2008/09/write-on-wednesday-write-what-you-know.html
(Great quote and thoughtful reply on your part — you really set us all thinking!)
Well, I’ve missed out this week, just back from having been away(again) and am trying to catch up. I am really interested in this notion that you write about what you know, in particular as far as relationships are concerned: it’s not just what you know of course, it’s how you interpret them and how you imagine othe people (your characters!) live them, and that’s when your characters take over and surprise you. I’ll work on this prompt – and of course, the book that has not been written yet is the book I’m writing!
Here’s my post on the subject for this week:
http://blk1.edublogs.org
Bonnie
What a great post. I find myself in a place feeling not sure what to do with myself as a result of recent life events. This feels like a step in the right direction — looking for what captures my interest.
Hi, Becca – I posted! I did the writeonwednesday prompt this morning (at last)!
at http://westcobich.wordpress.com
signed, Oh
Hi Becca,
I just stumbled upon this meme this evening. It’s curious because I just posted that very same Morrison quote on my blog this week. I had been thinking about the very same idea. What I’ve always wanted to read – and write – is a book from multiplie points of view, by multiple authors – about an extra-marital affair. Getting to the core of each of the 3 different perspectives and emotions.
I’ll definitely join in this discussion on Wednesdays. What a great idea!
Best,
Karen H.
So here I am . . . several days late but enthusiast. Thanks for this, Becca.
A week late, but here’s is my post:
http://mizwrites.wordpress.com/2008/09/17/write-on-wednesday-write-what-you-love/
MizB
((oops… that should’ve been either “here’s my post” OR “here is my post”…. not “here’s is my post”…ugh! Sorry).
MizB