Write what you know: To aspiring writers

There are many aspiring writers who ask me for advice about what is the best form of inspiration when beginning to write. My answer is always the same: write what you know. This was originally said by the great Mark Twain, and is a line that's been used in countless places, and is one of the mottos I live by. So much though, I included write what you know in my latest book, Laughing Out of Context.

When you write about what's familiar, or areas in life you're passionate on, stories come alive. Words develop. Characters come to fruition. Readers will be drawn to the pages in your book. The best novels are the ones that stick with you even after you've finished reading them, as one the golden rules of writing states.

My inspiration for my latest book, Laughing Out of Context, came from me being a mother. Going through the real-life experiences of motherhood, volunteering at my son's schools, and wading through the countless roller coaster moments of parenting, all fueled my book. Anyone who has had a hand in raising a child knows there's no other experience that can compare, and relatable support is a necessity to keep sane. In my mind I thought, what better book to write than one that will bring laughter, heart, support, and consolation to all involved with children. Us parents, guardians, educators, and all the "it takes a village" surrounding parenthood needs a pick-me-up, in the best imaginative form.

In a small way I like to imagine words in a book as a vessel, transporting the reader from point A to point B. They won't know where they'll end up by the last page, but the journey will bring them into another world along the way.

As a writer, it is your duty to take people on an adventure, and you'll successfully do that when you write what you know - the story will have meaning and passion behind it. Words will jump off the page and into readers hearts and awaiting imaginative minds. Using this motto as a start will set you up with having food for thought when looking at that first daunting blank page. The rest of the book will follow your lead.

Happy writing!