Write what you know?

The old adage for writers goes "Write what you know".
But is this really true? After all people write historical fiction, fantasy, and science fiction. So have they been to and lived in all the places they are writing about? What about a writer that lives in rural Minnesota writing about gangs in New York during the prohibition? How could they possibly have knowledge on that?


For me, that advice should be taken with a grain of salt. If everyone was pigeon holed into writing what they knew, we'd never have great epics like Lord of the Rings or Star Wars. Even Outlander and Game of Thrones. (pause for gasps) People would instead write solely about everyday life like getting groceries, checking the mail, and the commute to and from work. Not that any of that would need to be boring, it just would all be similar in locations.


Writing what you know can be a very fluid idea. Researching something thoroughly can make someone an expert. Especially if they use credible sources, or speak with an expert in that field. For myself in the Ryder Chronicles, I researched swords. I learned about the different styles, why they are shaped the way they are. How to find one that has the right balance for you, as well as a length and shape that matches your fighting style. There is a sequence in Across the Sea and Hills where there is a forging of two swords. I literally spent hours not only on the internet, but also in books. I hope it comes across in the book, the hours that were spent researching that one aspect. When a writer is equipped with knowledge, even if it isn't blatantly in the story, it bleeds through and creates a richness that the reader can pick up on. I always have more notes than what actually gets put into the stories. It helps me as the author.


One of the most poorly researched devices in fantasy novels are horses. I have found so many errors when it comes to the description, and use of horses in especially fantasy novels. Such as: describing the colors incorrectly, the breed, horses can't run all day and all night for days on end, most of them do not form close bonds with their riders over a short period of time-like any relationship it takes time and work to gain their trust.


So should you only "write what you know?" The answer is both yes and no. Take the time to research, really get in depth with something if you haven't had experience with it before. But also if you know characterization inside out and backwards- have the characters and their actions shine through!


As always, keep writing!