I used to support this idea that you ‘write what you know.’ You hear that advice given to young writers all the time and even to kids in school. It’s one of the greatest disservices – even in elementary school, teachers ask students just back from holidays to write about what you did, what happened to you, what you know. What about what you imagine? The imagination is the richest tool you will ever have as a novelist and, really, as a person. Anybody can do research. To use your imagination is to use a gift of the gods. The imagination is really disrespected when you’re telling people over and over to write what you know. This idea that what you experienced in your backyard when you were 15 is more significant or more real is just not true. Lawrence Hill
I’m increasingly convinced that imagination is indeed a “gift of the gods” and that it is the “richest tool” any creative person can use, not just writers.
In fact, I’m increasingly convinced that more imagination is needed to solve the problems and crises we face, to feel genuine empathy with others, to develop tolerance, and to re-enchant our dis-enchanted lives.
