How to Write What You Haven't Experienced

I have made a post about this subject in the past, but after scrolling through Tumblr, I came across a blog post that I thought perfectly summed up what I'm trying to say. You can read the original post here, or continue reading my article for a slightly more example-filled, step-by-step version :)

"Write what you know" does not mean "write what you have experienced." Here is how to write what you know without actually having experienced that which you are writing about.

Step One: Break it down.

Let's take the example of someone finding out that their significant other has cheated on them. Perhaps you've never experienced that, or even been in a relationship - that's fine! Break down the situation into its core emotions. In this example, those would be: shock, sadness, anger, and on a slightly more advanced level, betrayal.

Step Two: Identify that which you have experienced.

Maybe you were shocked when you failed a test you studied for. Maybe the death of your favorite character saddened you. Maybe your parents' unjust punishment made you furious. Maybe your best friend told your secret when they promised you wouldn't, hence betraying you. Take individual experiences from your personal life to identify which feelings in the experience apply to you. My guess is: all of them will be.

Step Three: Isolate the experiences.

Now, focus on those memories and strip them of everything but the emotion. Forget the stark grade on that paper, but remember the numbing shock washing over you. Banish the painful memory of that book or television show, but retain the tears clogging your throat. Do away with the details of the unfair punishment, but recall how you practically buzzed with anger. Ignore the details of the betrayal, but concentrate on how badly you were hurt. In this way, you are left with the raw emotions that can now be applied anywhere.

Step Four: Write until you get it right.

Now comes the writing process. First: write the scene. Then go back over and carefully examine every line of dialogue and nonverbal communication to see if you made it realistic. Once it is thusly honed, the page should be seeping with emotion.

*

This was simply an extension of a wonderful blog post that I seriously reccomend you read. I hope that this was helpful for you - I know that I, for one, am thrilled to have finally worked out the formula for "writing what you know!" After all, with this method, you've technically experienced everything... :)