Advice Quote by Sarah Jio
“Everyone tells you to write what you know. It’s the tried-and-true advice every writer hears at some point in her career. But to take my writing to a deeper level, I’ve found that a better practice is to simply write what frightens you, haunts you, even. I now keep a sign on the bulletin board in my office that reads: 'Write What Scares You.' I’ve learned that tapping into the hard stuff — whether it’s the fear of loss or a boogeyman lurking in childhood memories — is what ultimately gives a story the power to leap off the page and grab you by the collar.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Writing Advice, Sarah Jio, 2021
Writing about personal fears creates vivid, emotionally resonant stories that engage readers deeply.
In simple terms: Facing fears fuels powerful storytelling.
Key Takeaway
Write what scares you.
Themes
creativity
vulnerability
storytelling
Mood
intense
inspired
Type
motivational
reflective
When to use this quote
- novel writing
- screenwriting
- personal essays
- therapy sessions
Key Concepts
psychology
emotional depth
authenticity
Questions to Reflect On
- What fear could you explore in your next piece?
- How does confronting discomfort change your voice?
A Different Perspective
Focusing only on familiar topics may limit growth.
