By Jennifer Blanchard
If you’re reading this blog, you likely have a problem with getting started writing. And something that probably leaves you stuck most often is not knowing what to write about.
Here’s a somewhat obvious, but effective way to get started: Write what you know.
Now I’m not advocating that you always write what you know. There comes a time in every writer’s life when she has to step outside her comfort zone and write about something that requires her to do research first.
But that time is not right now. Especially if you’re just getting started with your writing.
As Angela Booth pointed out in her recent blog post called Write What You Know, It Saves Time, it’s easier to start by writing what you know. And you know a lot more than you think you do.
To get started, here are some steps you can take:
- Brainstorm What You Know–You know all kinds of things, from how to raise kids to how to apply for a mortgage to baking a mean peanut butter pie. Write down anything that comes to mind that you’d consider yourself pretty knowledgeable in.
- Use What You Know–As a jumping off point to starting a blog or writing an article, use what you know. This will make it much easier for you to get started because you already have all the knowledge in your head.
- Put It Down On Paper–Write what you know. Make it into a short story or a poem. Write an article for your favorite magazine. Start a blog about your topic of choice.
By writing what you know, you have a good starting point for getting your writing done.
Do you use what you know to get your writing done? How has writing what you know helped you?
About the Author: Jennifer Blanchard is founder of Procrastinating Writers. Be sure to follow her on Twitter.
