Last week, I came across a post from a budding writer asking, “Should you write about what you know?”
I’ve always believed that writing what you know is the best starting point. After all, when you’re honing your craft, why add the challenge of researching and learning unfamiliar content?
But as with most things in writing, the answer depends on where you are in your journey.
SHOULD YOU WRITE ABOUT WHAT YOU KNOW?
For me, I still love writing about what I know—especially to help others. That’s why I contribute to Mums and Tots magazine and blog, sharing my knowledge and experiences.
Yet, after 20 years of working with mums and children, even the most familiar topics can lose their spark. It’s not that it’s no longer creative, if anything, I enjoy the challenge of reimagining evergreen topics in fresh, inspiring ways. I still love the thrill of a deadline and, most of all, knowing my words help others, just as parenting books and magazines helped me when I started my motherhood journey.
If you’re on a similar path, you’ll enjoy my latest article, More Than Just Food, in the winter issue of mums and tots magazine, you can read the digital version here on Magzter Mums and Tots Magazine
OR WRITE ABOUT WHAT YOU DON'T KNOW
But these days, I’ve also fallen in love with writing about topics I don’t know. It keeps me curious and teaches me so much along the way. They say, “If you want to learn about something, write a book about it.” I couldn’t agree more.
Then there’s the freedom to express yourself. As writers, we often shy away from taboo or “woo-woo” topics, fearing judgment, not just of our writing, but of the ideas we’re putting out into the world.
Early on, we crave validation. A kind review or a friend saying they’ve bought your book gives you those warm, fuzzy feelings. But as time goes on, you realise you write because you have to. For yourself.
And that’s when the real magic begins.
You become more creative and less constrained. You might explore bold, raw ideas or even write under a pen name for complete anonymity. It feels like an affair with your prose—free, exhilarating, and entirely yours.
Gone is the worry about judgment, the need for likes, comments, or shares. You’re free to write for the joy of writing. And paradoxically, this uncensored, unapologetic work often resonates the most.
When you write without fear, your words crackle with authenticity and potential. You stop crafting what you think others will like and start writing what truly moves you.
So, where are you on your writing journey?
Are you writing to grow, to share, to connect or simply because you must?
Wherever you are, there’s a space for you.
Here’s to 2025—may it be a year of bold, prolific words.
From my pen to yours, happy New Year!
Em x
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