Tips on Using the Write What You Know Method
If you want to enhance your writing repertoire, it is important that you try out a wide variety of writing methods. By learning other writing methods, you will be able to make your writing more multifaceted. One method that you should learn is the write what you know method. This method entails the writer to use his or her life experiences to add a level of realism and character to the content. However, before you even think of using the write what you know method, you should learn how to properly use it first. Here are some tips on using the write what you know method.
1. Keep a journal
If you are going to utilize the write what you know method, it is a good idea to keep a journal. By writing down what you went through, and the emotions that you felt during the day you will have a compilation of your experiences that you could use in your writing. Your journal or diary will act as a resource that you could draw upon during the writing process. For examples, you are writing a scene where your character is feeling disappointed about a setback in his or her life. If you are faithful and detailed with your journaling, you will be able to draw from a key experience from your journal and use it in your writing.
2. Utilize empathy during the character writing process
Yet another way you could utilize the write what you know method is to use empathy during the character writing process. Empathy is the ability to feel another person’s emotions. It is the opportunity to walk in another person’s shoes. This is a great ability to use during the character writing process. By using empathy, you will be able to feel as your character would feel. You will be able to internalize the process and create truly realistic and unique characters.
Empathy is also a useful ability when you write the dialogue for your characters. When you write your dialogue, you should put yourself into their shoes. Aside from patterning your character’s speech pattern and word choices according to their personalities and motives, you should also use empathy as well. When you write their dialogue, ask yourself. Would I talk like this if I were in the same situation? Does it add realism and context to the scene? By putting yourself into your character’s shoes, you will be able to elevate the quality of your characters and scenes.
3. Have an introspective journey
There are parts of our day that we sometimes forget. Remember that our attentions are usually taken up by a myriad of things during the day. We are busy with our day to day routines. So busy that we tend to ignore the potential stories that we could write about. So after every day, you should take the time to just hunker down, and have a quick introspective journey. Look back on the events of the day. What were the things that you noticed? What were the things you learned? What were the potential sources of writing inspiration that you encountered during the day? By being more introspective, you will have a treasure trove of concepts and realizations that you could use during the writing process. It could also make your writing a whole lot more realistic and multifaceted.
4. Write down your most important memories
Your memories are one of the most potent sources of writing inspiration that you have at your disposal. This is especially true for our most important memories because they tend to be particularly vivid and powerful. So you should take the time to just look back on these old memories, and write them down. These memories could be your earliest childhood memories, they could be memories of your first romance or the time you lost someone important to you. By drawing on these very powerful memories, your writing will become more vivid and intense.
Conclusion
When it comes to improving as a writer, you should have a multifaceted repertoire of writing skills. By learning how to use the write what you know method, you will be able to enhance your writing skills exponentially.
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