How To Write Without Experience

Writing about something you’ve never experienced can be a challenge, but it can be done! To make this task easier, I’ve compiled a list of tips I have found helpful in my own writing.

1. Research, research, research

I know, I know. You’re probably sick of researching by now, but it’s the only way to make sure any details you add about something you don’t have first-hand experience with are accurate.

Get the facts, then double-check those facts. It’ll help in the long-run.

2. Read works similar to yours

This goes without saying. Every writer will tell you that you must read in order to develop your skills. This can also help you research without having to comb through hundreds of Wikipedia articles (we’ve all been there).

Obviously, don’t trust everything, and don’t copy or plagiarize any of their work, but use what you read as reference materials. This goes for television as well. Now you can say you’re working when you’re binge-watching Netflix!

3. Don’t be insensitive

If you’re writing about an emotionally-charged situation that you haven’t experienced firsthand, you must ensure that you don’t block out those emotions. Writing something that doesn’t acknowledge all sides to a situation and the accompanying emotions is a sure-fire way to offend someone and create and overall unrealistic story.

Don’t just research facts. You have to research emotions as well.

4. Observe!

Anyone who’s been following me for a while can tell you that I’m a big fan of using real people to improve my reading. It’s a little difficult to explain, so I’ll use an example.

A large portion of important dialogue in my novel takes place between two middle-aged men in a bar. The problem? I’m a female teenager who obviously doesn’t frequent bars. The solution? I observed how people spoke to each other at bars in restaurants I went to, and incorporated that into my dialogue.

Though you might not personally experience what you’re writing about, you’re bound to find someone who does or has. Use your observations to your advantage!

5. Don’t get discouraged

I’ll tell you right now, you might take some heat for writing about something you don’t have personal experience with. You’re going to be told that you don’t know what you’re writing about. Someone will probably tell you that you shouldn’t write about things you don’t know about. If you’re young, you’re going to be told you’re not mature enough.

DO NOT BE DISCOURAGED BY THIS!

It’s so easy to take what people say about us and accept it as the truth. Don’t listen to those who doubt you. Do your research, work as hard as you can, and you’ll be able to prove them all wrong.

Pretty sure I'm going to be homeless right after college and there's nothing I can fucking do about it.

Under the cut: poverty, panic, anxiety, corporate BS

I work at the university library and I get less than 20 hours a week. My disabled mom lives with me. We're both fighting tooth and nail to get better jobs, but I swear to fuck both of us have been applying to every single job opening we can, stuff that we've both done in the past, have a fuckton of experience, etc etc but the most we get is the interview stage and suddenly we don't meet the "requirements" even though they're right fucking there in our resumes. "Not a good fit". "Pursuing other candidates at this time."

Over.

And over.

And fucking over again.

We can't make rent. I can't take out any more student loans because I'm a senior. I likely won't have enough financial aid to cover December and January rent. Our apartment isn't renewing our lease after May. We don't make nearly enough to save up for furniture and deposits and application fees for a new place. I don't even know how long it's going to take for me to find a full time job.

I am so tired. And stressed. And I want to scream.

I have no idea what to do and I'm too exhausted to fill out a thousand fucking forms that don't even guarantee that we'll get help.

I can't even have a Snacksgiving because the people who run SNAP in my state fucked around with our benefits and even though I turned shit in two weeks ago it wasn't until I got on the phone with someone and sat with them for 30 minutes so we can buy food this coming Tuesday. Since they're closed for Thanksgiving. I'm glad they get to eat a Thanksgiving dinner at least.

I am so. Fucking. Tired.

5 notes View Post

inferno-universe

7 months ago

1K notes View Post

inferno-universe

1 year ago

I'm Joe. An Illustrator From Colchester, England. With 'Tales From A Gay Fantasia', I Am Able To Combine

I'm Joe. An illustrator from Colchester, England. With 'Tales From A Gay Fantasia', I am able to combine my love of illustration, creative writing, and design with a lifelong fascination with medieval fantasy. My current goal is to create an illustrated collection of interwoven queer romance and adventure stories within a beautiful and diverse fantasy world.

All my links

You can find links to the individual tumblr posts for each piece of artwork at the bottom of this post or just deep dive into the #gayfantasia tag :D

Artwork links in order of appearance:

"The Magic That Binds Us", "Sword-Crossed Lovers",

"Mersi's Delivery Servie", "Sanctuary", "The Prince, The Mage, & The Unicorn",

"First Date", "I Got You Baby", "Take Your Himborc To Work Day",

"The Parade (Colour Bleach)"

"Admiration", "The Knight & The Ranger", "The Mage & The Knight"

"Restoration", "Trepidation", "Reunion"

"The Rogue & The Bard", "The Paladin & Her Sorceress", "Reciprocity"

P.S: The final image is a concept page without an individual Tumblr post.

4K notes View Post

inferno-universe

5 months ago

Balmora

Wallpaper for The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind

*Credit Unknown* If anyone knows the specific dev to credit comment below

56 notes View Post

inferno-universe

10 months ago

Morrowind: Redoran Watchman

Along the rock-strewn roads Of Western Gash Through tracts of ash And streams of molten stone With pikes on guard They ride toward Blight-kissed Falasmaryon

P.S: The full set of armour of the Redoran Watch is featured in "Tamriel Rebuilt".

P.P.S: Digital painting. Made in Krita (5.1.5). Feel free to repost, re-upload etc.

804 notes View Post

inferno-universe

1 year ago