One of the dumbest things you were ever taught was to…
““One of the dumbest things you were ever taught was to write what you know. Because what you know is usually dull. Remember when you first wanted to be a writer? Eight or ten years old, reading about thin-lipped heroes flying over mysterious viny jungles toward untold wonders? That's what you wanted to write about, about what you didn't know. So. What mysterious time and place don't we know?" [ Remember This: Write What You Don't Know ( New York Times Book Review , December 31, 1989)]””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Encourages writers to explore unfamiliar subjects rather than relying on personal experience, which can be limiting and unexciting.
In simple terms: Write beyond your own experience.
Key Takeaway
Seek fresh, unknown topics.
Themes
creativity
writing
exploration
Mood
inspired
curious
Type
advice
motivational
When to use this quote
- fiction writing
- journalism
- screenwriting
- personal essays
Key Concepts
imagination
novelty
risk-taking
Questions to Reflect On
- What unknown world intrigues you?
- How can you research unfamiliar topics responsibly?
A Different Perspective
May alienate readers who expect relatable content.