Write About What You Know By Lynne Garner

When I first started writing I was advised to write about what I knew. This was why I started writing non-fiction. But I'd always wanted to write fiction, I didn't know where to start. So I found myself still writing about what I knew. For example my first picture book A Book For Bramble was based on my work rescuing hedgehogs (if interested check out my hedgehog blog: The Hedgehog Shed).


Today I still find myself writing books based on what I know. For example my latest picture eBook Captain and Nugget (Amazon UK or Amazon US) uses many of my experiences with the dogs I've been lucky enough to share my life with.

For example not wanting to go for a walk is based upon our previous dog Jodi. Who in old age would  be happy just walking around the car parked on the drive. Great when it was cold and miserable but when the sun was shining I'd often want to go a little further. But it was her walk so she was in charge.

Jodi
Jodi's passion for stealing underwear, especially socks (clean and dirty) appears in my picture book app Puppy, Why Do I Love You? 



As well as drawing on Jodi's habits for this title I also used a few habits my current canine friend, Tasha has. Including:Chasing thingsTaking up the entire setteeLeaving muddy paw prints all over the place  

Tasha
My picture book Dog Did It  was inspired by all my dogs and their habit of embarrassing you in front of company. When we are forced to utter those words, "sorry that wasn't me. The dog did it!"


However I'm pleased to announce I feel I may be growing as an author. Because the story I'm working on at the moment does include a dog but it doesn't draw on previous knowledge or experience. You see it features a ghost dog and I've never experienced that!

To end this post I just want to ask what experiences have you used in your books? Go on spill the beans, I'd love to know.