As a writer, you've probably heard the term "write what you know" before. While this saying is often used, ultimately you don't need to stick to the idea that you can only write what you know. It's totally possible for great stories to come from exploring the unknown, using imagination, and researching new topics. And sometimes that only happens when you write what you don't know about. That being said, writing what you don't know about comes with a lot of added challenges. That's because you have to ensure that you don't spread false information or inaccurate descriptions. Thankfully, this article will delve into the 5 best tips for writing what you don't know.
Create a Research Plan
Obviously, the most important thing you can do when writing about what you don't know about is research. However, before you begin researching you need to create a plan. A research plan will help ensure you have all of the necessary information and resources available to you when you begin writing the actual novel. It also helps keep you organized and on track when researching, so you don’t spend too much time on one topic or get distracted by other research topics. This is because a thorough research plan typically includes a timeline where you can establish deadlines for research on certain topics. Overall, a research plan makes the process more efficient because it is a great way to stay organized and helps you identify any gaps in your research that need to be filled before your novel is completed.
Research
After creating a research plan comes the research! If you want your story to be realistic and accurate, you must research what you don't know. I mean, how else would you know exactly what to write about or how to portray something? As a result, research is critical. The primary reason why research is so important is because it prevents misinformation and rumors from being spread. If you write a story just based on your assumptions about a topic you aren't very knowledgeable about, you could perpetuate negative stereotypes and misinformation. For more information on how to conduct excellent research for your novel, click on the button below.
Read Newspapers
When writing about something you don't know about, consider reading the newspaper. Not only will it help you gain a better understanding of the topic, but it will also expose you to different perspectives and current events that can enrich your writing. For example, if you're writing a novel set in a historical period you're unfamiliar with, reading old newspaper articles from that era can give you insights into the daily lives, concerns, and social dynamics of the time. This can help you create a more authentic and immersive setting for your story. Plus, newspapers might reveal lesser-known events or cultural details that could inspire unique plot points or enrich your characters' backgrounds. Overall, reading newspaper articles----whether new or old----provides you with real-world examples and supports your novel by making it work more realistic and engaging.
Interview Knowledgeable People
Interviewing knowledgeable people when researching for your story can be beneficial in a few ways. First, they can provide insight into the subject matter and offer helpful advice. They may also have access to resources and information that would otherwise be difficult to find. Plus, they can provide valuable feedback and help ensure that the research is accurate and comprehensive. In general, consulting experts can provide a network of contacts that can be useful for your questions and additional research
Study Images
While you may not think to study images, images can provide a lot of context and information that is useful for your novel. For instance, if you're writing about a bustling city in the 1920s, studying photographs from that era can help you visualize the architecture, fashion, and street scenes, bringing your setting to life with vivid details. Images can also inspire you to describe the mood and atmosphere of a place—perhaps the way sunlight filters through the smog, or the expressions on people's faces as they go about their daily routines. By incorporating these visual elements, your novel can feel more authentic and engaging for readers.
Rather than always writing about what you know, instead, you should write about what interests you, what challenges you, and what excites your imagination. This approach can help you grow as a writer and create more engaging and diverse stories. However, you have to ensure that you've done a high level of research as writing about unfamiliar topics can lead to inaccuracies or misrepresentations. Which is why the tips listed above are there to guide you through the process of writing what you don't know. Good luck!
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