Write what you know is an old expression in writing, but it’s not something that does apply well if you’re writing Science Fiction or Fantasy. I particulary like that quote from B. Sanderson : “Write what you know? I write in completely made up fabricated worlds with completely fabricated laws of physics. Write what I know? What do you mean?”

Yet, last night, I got to write about something I know really well.

What is it then that I know that well? Astronomy? software architecture? The art of war in medieval times?

Nope, nothing like that.

Another guess?

OK. I know I have you stumped there, waiting for my answer. One thing – one feeling – that I know really well is headaches!

Yes, headaches. I know all about them, how they come, how it feels to have them and the way they go away, but stay at the back of your head, reminding you that if you do anything funny, the pain will be back with a vengeance.

So, last night, I got to write an entire passage where someone is having a really bad one. I think that while reading that section, the reader will be able to feel really what the character felt. Granted, that character really isn’t accustomed to the pain and looks like a whinny when another character who experienced the same pain is up and about. Great fun also.

So, write what you know. I guess that works, especially if what you know touches on feelings that you can pass on to your reader.

I’m not too keen on experiencing other things for myself so that I can pass that to my readers – there are way too unpleasant things happening in that book. I don’t ever want to know what it feels like drowning or being stabbed. I guess, I’ll have to write much about things I know nothing about.