Open A Vein? Write What You Know?
By Sharzi Avins (c) 2001
Have you heard these before:
"When you sit down to write, first open a vein"
"Write What You Know"
These are common phrases among writers... but what exactly do they mean?
Of course we all know opening a vein is not to be taken literally, but exactly how does one open a vein to write? The phrase, though somewhat graphic, is exactly how it feels when you pull from deep within you, emotions... painful as they may be... and express them on the page.
It's much easier not to think about that which may haunt you, but when it comes to writing, those emotions can bring your story to new heights, and in doing so, could actually help purge those old ghosts.
The emotions used when writing don't always have to be painful ones. It is possible to conjure up feelings of elation or pride, frustration or great joy. The phrase "open a vein" simply means you will use those raw emotions to help bring them to the piece you are writing.
"Write What You Know" is a phrase that leaves many writers confused. It doesn't have to mean you will write only things you know about firsthand, or places you have been. It can mean you will inject your personality into the piece. Make the characters ones you know. Perhaps one character will have your sense of humor or another may look exactly like your mother, father, brother. One could express themselves exactly as you do.
It's wonderful to write about things or places you know intimately, but sometimes it's not what or where you know -- it's who you know!
'Knowing' can also be from intense research. When you spend a lot of time delving into the information needed to write your story, you begin to know it intimately. Writing that particular piece will feel more familiar to you.
Put your self into your work. In doing so, you'll find your work is much stronger!
All Rights Reserved
Copyright 2001
The contents of this article may not be reproduced in any form or by any means, including electronic, mechanical, or with intent to republish, without written permission from the author,
Sharzi Avins.
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