Friday, November 24, 2006

Write what you know

So maybe the Kipling quote in the previous post gave away the fact that I'm spending the day navel gazing.

But that's what I have to do to come up with an idea I actually want to write. And I did. It comes from the 'If you get handed lemons, make lemonade' school of writing. See the subconcious connection with Kipling's 'IF'? I didn't realise it myself when I wrote the previous post. But in truth I've sucked on a few lemons recently.

And we all get handed lemons, all the time. In life and in work. But I've been able to take one of those lemons and hopefully turn it into melons. Jeez, get one of those inspirational speakers on the line, I can sell that one!

The point being the lemon I was handed was pretty insignificant in the great scheme of things. Pretty damned dull as far as anyone else is concerned. But if you get out of the insular 'me' and transpose that lemon and the motives and consequences to the wider world you create a 'Universal Question'. You are writing what you know. Be it in Space, The Roman Empire , or a SpongeBob Square Pants cartoon.

2 comments:

Good Dog said...

Actually writing content for a website for some motivational speakers at the moment. I was going to go with "turn that frown upside down" but your one is better.

But if you're navel gazing, surely those are oranges not lemons?

I think I'll go now before you chase after me with a blunt object.

I know what you're saying and it's always the way to go. Have a good weekend.

English Dave said...

Wouldn't chase after you with the blunt object.