They say write what you know and we all abide by that rule, to a certain extent at least. I mean, honestly, how can we really live the lives of all our characters.
We expand on what we know - add a little here, add a little there - until we create a world that is unlike our own. And that is what readers want: something to take them away from their everyday life...
So, how then, do we write what we know when all we want to do is blissfully drift off into the unknown?
Infusing a little reality with imagination is the key to creating the vastness that draws readers and writers alike into your story. A little real life practicality mixed with impromptu daydream drama can make for a rich conglomeration that not only paints a picture, but also peeks our interest to know more and more...
At the moment I'm attempting to do some of the things my main character does while on a last minute vacation mixed with family obligation. And I'm glad that I have. Not only have I realized that some of the locations wouldn't really work out as I had thought they would, but I've also discovered by chance some additional scenes that are going to enhance my story line.
As much fun as I'm having on vacation, I can't wait to get back to my own reality and start editing and adding some of these finds. But I'm glad that i have been doing this 'research' and eliciting the five senses to help me create a new world where my story not only takes place, but also lives...
