How many times have you been told, “Write what you know?” If your experience is anything like mine, too many times to count. I’d like to believe the advice is always offered in an inspirational, encouraging fashion. Alas, sometimes it’s dispensed in a way that can feel restrictive and discouraging. So I offer this as an alternative: WRITE WHAT YOU LOVE.
Before writing about what you love, it helps to identify your ten greatest passions first. Think of this as creating your personal inspirational guide. You’re welcome to peruse my list before or after you write yours. And you’re more than welcome to share!
TEN THINGS I’M CRAZY PASSIONATE ABOUT
1. DOGS
For me, a house is not a home without a dog. Besides being bundles of furry adorableness, they are generous, faithful, gentle, and overflowing with love and adoration. Dogs need their people, but we need them more.
2. FAMILY TIME
Family is a gift I treasure every single day. I believe in following through with promises. I believe in the importance of uninterrupted, focused time together. And I believe in the restorative powers of a warm hug.
3. TEACHING
My mission is to impart helpful information to students and fellow writers in the most encouraging, understandable, enjoyable, and relatable manner possible. My weekly grammar/vocabulary /punctuation blog, A Spoonful of Grammar, is an extension of this mission.
4. WRITING
I find writing to be immensely cathartic – when my muse shows up. I think it’s taking an extended vacation in Tahiti …. and didn’t invite me.
5. BOOKS
Reading soothes my soul, and many of my happiest memories center around books. I’m always reading, and if I run out of new books to read, I feel bereft. When my dog wants to find me, she sits in my favorite reading chair and waits for me to appear. Is it any surprise the library is my happy place?
6. CHOCOLATE
I drink hot chocolate before bed. I’m a better baker than cook, with a preference for anything chocolate. If you bring me a warm chocolate soufflé once a month, I’ll become your slave. Yes, I’m a chocoholic, and I’m not afraid to admit it.
7. RESPECTING DIFFERENCES
I can’t imagine a world in which we were all cookie cutter versions of each other. Yuck! I believe at my core that no one should be judged, excluded, vilified, mistreated, or worse on the basis of gender, sexuality, abilities or disabilities, nationality, race, ethnicity, or religion. I could go on and on. And on.
8. INSTRUMENTS
Oboe and piano were “instrumental” parts of my high school identity. I’m overjoyed that trumpet is an “instrumental” part of my son’s. Need a cheerleader for inclusion of music programs in schools? I’m your girl.
9. GIRLFRIENDS
Where would I be without my girlfriends? I shudder to imagine.
10. NATURE
I’m fascinated by nature, particularly waterfalls, gardens, birds, and animals of all kinds. Watching tiny lizards cavort in their natural habitat consumes me. I once removed a yogurt container from a skunk’s face, and I pick up stray garbage and recycle regularly. My spirit animal is the hummingbird, which I love.
You may have greater or fewer than ten items on your list, and that’s absolutely fine. I could definitely add a few more to my list. But once you’ve identified your greatest passions, what happens next? ANYTHING YOU WISH!! Think of your list as the most essential THEMES of your life, and use them to inspire your stories. You’re free to explore any and all permutations of each one. What happens if your main character strives for one of your themes, but factors thwart him or her every step of the way? What happens if one of your themes is removed, controlled, or restricted? What do your characters experience, and how does that inspire them to to act? If you’re truly passionate about something, your passion will shine through your writing and give your stories HEART.
I hope you found this idea inspiring and encouraging. Go forth and WRITE WHAT YOU LOVE!
Related Post: The Perks–and Perils–of “Write What You Know” by Naomi Milliner
I agree with this…
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I love this post! Thank you, Laura, for reminding us that our passion for writing should support our other passions!
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Thanks, Marianne. One of your passions must be cheerfully helping and guiding others!
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What a beautiful post and it was fun learning about your top ten passions. Great to know more about the creator of the amazing Spoonful of Grammar blog. I hope to see a new book from you, too—maybe one with a music-loving chocolate Lab goes to the library with friends sort of theme. 🙂
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Dear Marcia, your comment is oh so sweet! I really, truly appreciate your support and friendship and LOVE your book idea.❤️
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Love it! LOL. That is great advice, to write what you love. I think I can remember that. 🙂
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Dear Angie: thanks for your comment! I’m glad you’re both tickled and inspired by my advice.
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I think our passions come through in our unique takes of whatever we write about. Sometimes there’s lots of learning before we “know” enough to write. But it’s all driven by what we love and hold dear – sometimes things and sometimes principles. Thanks for the post!
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Dear Beth: thank you for sharing your viewpoint. I’m so glad you enjoyed the post.
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I just posted on my blog “write for the love of writing” which dovetails ” write what you love.” I write different things because it fun to do so for me. That’s the best inspiration of all.
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Dear Darnell: great minds think alike! Do you mind sharing a link to your blog here?
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Not at all! I’ll link the post I was talking about.
Thanks for the interest.
https://darnellcureton.com/2019/07/24/diary-of-a-bad-writer-week-42/
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I LOVE this flip from writing what you “know” to writing what you “love”! Not only does it open up so many more possibilities but I’m giddy about jumping into those lovable subjects! Thanks for the great advice!
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Your enthusiastic response made me jump for joy! I’m so happy my post made you feel inspired.
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Love this!!! We have so much in common.
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Dear Betsy: Do you live anywhere near Andover, MA? I’d love to meet a kindred spirit!
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I’m in South Carolina😊
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Dear Betsy: we can become Facebook and Twitter friends! And who knows – perhaps we’ll meet at a conference. I’m Laura Fineberg Cooper on Facebook and @cooperlauraf on twitter.
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Yes, yes, yes. Thank you!
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Dear Carol: I’m so glad my advice resonated with you. Happy writing!
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