Scribbles: How to Write

GOOGLE IS A WRITER'S BEST FRIEND (RESEARCH)

There's an old saying: Write what you know. This does not mean write nothing but a biography, though many take it that way. When I think about this quote, I flip it on it's head: Know what you write. Remember: You do not know everything. No one does. And in some matters, your readers will know more than you, and will spot any errors you make.

So learn about it. Want to write a realistic story about detectives? Look up police procedure, real life examples of cases, who really runs the service. The little details will help your world feel real.

This doesn't just apply to aspects of your world. You need to research your characters as well. If you want to write about a girl with OCD, or a boy living in South Africa, research! You do not know as much as you think you know. Read articles written by people in the situation you want to emulate, because only people who have been through an experience truly understand it.

I believe writing is one of the ultimate forms of empathy. Putting yourself in someone else's shoes, and understanding that position, and communicating it to others. In order to do that effectively, you need to know what you're talking about. And so you need to research.

But once you understand the situation? Then you can get along with your plot.