I was at a non-industry event a few weeks ago, and when the others at my table learned what I do for a living one of them said, “Everyone has a book in them.” I hadn’t heard that old adage in a while, but then again, look what I do for a living.
However, it got me thinking about how many people agree with this, or write because of it. It’s an idea that pairs all too well with another oft-repeated piece of writing advice: “Write what you know.”
At first glance, both of these mantras sound encouraging, maybe even motivating; but, when taken at face value they tend to lead writers down the path of uninspired, unfocused storytelling.
I’m not saying people don’t have experiences worth sharing. The problem is personal experience is rarely enough to sustain an entire book—at least, not without a deeper transformation.
The Issue with Everyone Having a Book
In 1938 Somerset Maugham once said that not everyone can write a good book, but Christopher Hitchens took it further: “Everyone has a book in them, but in most cases that’s where it should stay.”
Harsh? Maybe. But he had a point.
Many people assume that because something happened to them, it will naturally make for a compelling novel or memoir. A compelling story isn’t just about what happened; it’s about how it’s framed, shaped, and delivered to create an emotional impact on a reader.
Many would-be authors stop at the assumption that their story is already book-worthy. But great books don’t usually emerge from a single idea. They require exploration, development, and often a complete transformation from their original concept.
For example, the idea of Jurassic Park could be summed up as: “Scientists clone dinosaurs.” That’s an interesting concept, but what makes it a great novel (and film) is how Michael Crichton layered in ethical dilemmas, corporate greed, chaos theory, and thrilling survival stakes.
So, it’s not that a single idea can’t be the foundation for a great book—it’s that the initial idea alone isn’t enough. It needs conflict, stakes, transformation, and structure to sustain a compelling narrative. The best books don’t just rely on one idea; they build on it, twist it, and push it beyond the obvious. (See the “Further Reading” links at the end of this post)
The Issue with Writing What You Know
Like many well-meaning pieces of writing advice, “Write what you know” is often misinterpreted.
Fiction:
Taken too literally, it leads to stories that are too… to use a technical term: meh. Writers assume they should stick to familiar topics, familiar characters, and familiar settings. But, writing is about discovery—both for the reader and the author. The best fiction isn’t a direct translation of personal experience but a reimagining of emotional truths in new and surprising ways.
If writers only wrote what they personally experienced, we wouldn’t have Dune, Frankenstein, or The Lord of the Rings, the list goes on. I’m willing to bet George R.R. Martin has never fought a dragon, and Gillian Flynn (presumably) has never masterminded a sociopathic marriage plot. What they do know is human nature, tension, psychology, and stakes—and they use those elements to craft engaging, believable fiction.
Non-Fiction:
📌 For memoir writers, the key is understanding that memoir isn’t about what happened—it’s about what it means.
- What is the larger theme or universal truth behind your personal story?
- How does your experience connect to broader human emotions?
- Are you crafting a narrative arc with stakes, transformation, and resolution, rather than just a series of events, diary entries or vignettes?
Great memoirs don’t just document a moment in your life; it shapes it into a meaningful, compelling experience for the reader. Educated by Tara Westover isn’t just about growing up off the grid—it’s about self-discovery, the pursuit of knowledge, and breaking free from family expectations.
Memoir isn’t about writing what you know or experienced—it’s about making it matter to total strangers.
What Should You Write Instead?
Instead of writing what you know, write what fascinates you. Write what challenges you. Write what you can imagine and develop beyond its surface level.
📌 If you want to write a memoir – or even a novel inspired by your life, ask yourself:
- What is thebigger story beyond my personal experience?
- Does this story contain inherent conflict, tension, and transformation?
- Will readers connect with it beyond my own emotional attachment?
- If this were someone else’s story, wouldI find it compelling enough to read?
📌 If you want to write a novel in a genre you love, but you’re worried about not being an expert, ask:
- What can I research, observe, and explore to create authenticity?
- How can I add my own twist or depth to familiar tropes?
- Am I approaching this story from the most original, engaging angle?
Developing Your Story Idea
Many writers stop at their first instinct—whether it’s a trope they’ve seen before, a personal story they feel attached to, or a concept that seems “good enough.” But the best stories emerge when you go deeper, ask tougher questions, and reshape the idea into something more surprising, more layered, and more universal.
Great writing comes from pushing past the obvious, reworking initial ideas, and challenging assumptions. It comes from writing what feels real, even if you’ve never lived it yourself.
Great books don’t just exist because someone had an idea; they exist because the writer took the time to develop that idea into something meaningful, layered, and structured in a way that captivates an audience.
It’s not enough to have a premise. You need conflict. You need stakes. You need an emotional arc. Most importantly, you need a reason for this story to be told—a reason beyond “I want to write a book.”
Your story matters. But not every story is a book—at least, not yet.
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📢 If you’re wondering whether your book idea has the weight to stand on its own, stay tuned. I’m currently developing a workshop to help writers refine their story ideas, that includes a special opportunity for a limited group of early participants. Details coming soon.
FURTHER READING
Teaching Old Tropes New Tricks
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