Years ago my dad told me, “Write What You Know.”

He was right. For that season.

I was up against a school deadline and had no idea what to write.

His advice prompted me to write about something familiar.

So I told a hilarious and come to find out, poignant tale, of driving to school over south Florida dirt roads in the back of my brother’s ’69 Barracuda.

But years later, writing what I knew came up short.

Yes, I can research and write about any topic!

But writing what you know cannot fuel a writer for very long.

Then I read a line for Sol Stein’s book that basically said, “Write something only you can say.”

Huh? How? What kind of story would that be?

Anyone can say what I want to say. I write chick lit and romance for crying out loud.

Here’s what I think Stein was really saying: Write Who You Are.

A few years ago I wrote this on my Twitter profile: I write the books I love to read.

In other words, I’m trying to write who I am.

But discovering who we are in a way to put it on the page is a challenge.

Who am I?

Lover of Jesus.

Lover of family.

Friend.

Worshipper.

Rom Com watcher.

Jason Bourne fan.

Sports lover. Football!

Outdoors lover.

Dog lover.

Compassionate for the weak.

Pollyanna.

Passionate for justice.

Prayer.

Aware of words.

Aware of the unseen.

Despiser of overhead lights.

Junk food.

Convertibles.

Laughter. In the sun. In the rain. In the snow. In the morning. In the evening. Ain’t we got fun!

Well, the list could go on.

But the real trick is turning this selfie list into aspects of my writing!

If I were to read a Susan May Warren novel, I could see aspects of her life and passion in her stories.

Forgiveness.

Security.

Small towns.

Family.

Quirkiness.

Laughter.

Football.

Finding home.

Motherhood.

She writes from her experience. From her unique life experience and vantage point.

While we all have similarities in our personality and life, our view, our experience, our perspective is wholly, uniquely… unique!

No one can tell my stories, my heart, or how I view things like me!

Same with you.

What life experience and passions shape the way you tell a story?

These things comprise of your “voice” which is probably the most powerful tool in an author’s kit.

So, if you’re struggling, take time to write you list. Just Who Are You?

What are your seen and unseen qualities.

Ask others to define you.

People will tell me I can speak correction to them without making them feel torn down or defeated.

Really? I never knew that but it’s something I see coming out in my characters now that I’m aware.

I’m not a musician really but I love worship and often find a melody or song within my own heart that goes with my stories.

Dig deep.

It’s not easy to find “you” and fashion “you” into a book.

But it’s there.

You can do it!

Write who you are…

***

Best-selling, award-winning author Rachel Hauck loves a great story. She excels in seeing the deeper layers of a story.

With a love for teaching and mentoring, Rachel comes alongside writers to help them craft their novel.

A worship leader, board member of ACFW and popular writing teacher, Rachel is the author of over 17 novels.

She lives in Florida with her husband and  dog. Contact her at: Rachel@mybooktherapy.com. Her latest release is Once Upon A Prince.

Go forth and write!

Do you need help with your story idea, synopsis or proposal?

How about some one-on-one craft coaching. Check out our menu of services designed to help you advance your writing dreams.