I thought the 'write what you know' advice was just a cliche until I tried it for real

For years I avoided writing about my own life, thinking it was boring. Then last month, I wrote a short story based on working at my uncle's auto shop in Toledo. I used real details, like the smell of the grease and the sound of the air wrench. It felt way more honest and people in my writing group said it was my best work yet. I guess you really do have to start with what's right in front of you. Has anyone else had a prompt or piece of advice they thought was dumb that actually worked?

2 comments

2 Comments

the_patricia1d ago

What about "show don't tell," that one ever click for you?

betty_stone21d ago

Is that rule really such a big deal?