Write what you know

Anyone starting to write will hear this phrase over and over--"Write what you know."

Have I found it to be true? Yes. But only if you accept that what you know is yourself and your imagination. For me, getting to know my imagination has been learning to find restraint. Learning to focus.

And what gives a writer focus is character.

It's not the volcano, the hurricane, or the army of giant spiders...although, certainly there's some fun to be had...no, it's understanding your story is about what your character wants and what she's going to do to get it. That's it.
You have to create a character the reader will fall in love with and care about.

When my daughters, Danika and Beatrice, were little there was a story they wanted again and again and again. It's a book called, "The Funny Little Woman." The author is Arlene Mosel and the illustrations are by Blair Lent. Take a look at it and see why when at the end of a page you are anxious to turn to the next.

The focus stays on the "funny little woman" and you want to find out what happens to her.

Focus. Focus on character. Let what you know guide you. Trust in your imagination. It will take you there.