Should Writers Only ’Write What They Know?”: Mark Twain and Toni Morrison Have the Answers

On episode 5 of the Read, Write and Create podcast, get ready for an epic battle between two literary lions, Mark Twain and Toni Morrison. The battle is over whether writers should write what they know, or write what fascinates them. Mark Twain said, “write what you know.” Toni Morrison said, “please do NOT write what you know.” So who was right? And what useful writing advice can all storytellers take from these two literary legends on this topic? The answers may surprise you, so listen up and take notes. This is a pep-talk and lesson you don’t want to miss. 

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If you crave more words of advice from Saint Toni Morrison on writing, you can find a list of Toni Morrison’s best quotes for writers on this post from the Read Write and Create blog.

To get a taste of what it takes to research a novel about a topic you “don’t know,” check out this inspiring interview I did with author Lauren Francis Sharma and hear her fascinating journey writing The Book of the Little Axe. 

You can buy a copy of Book of the Little Axe from the Read Write and Create Bookshop and support this podcast, Lauren Francis Sharma, and independent bookstores everywhere!

And if you want to read a book from an author who successfully ‘wrote what she knew’ in a novel that did so well it was turned into a popular film, then check out Terry McMillan’s, How Stella Got Her Groove Back. It’s a classic. 

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BIPOC writers, please follow me on Instagram so you can leave me a DM if you’d be interested in participating in a writing retreat with me in the south of Spain later this year. I’m in the planning process now and would love to hear what kind of writing you’d like to do with me in sunny Spain. Gracias!

If you’re looking for more creative writing inspiration, writing prompts and useful resources for your literary life, be sure to check out all of the amazing content on ReadWriteandCreate.com. While you’re there, you can also sign up for the Read, Write and Create bimonthly newsletter.

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