Screenwriting : Marv's Script-tips by Marvin Willson

good to meet another person who sees through that silly phrase. What "I know" does tend to show up in my work but its not whats important to me. To me whats important is telling a good/fun story.

After all, that's exactly what they are; stories.

I agree Marvin and Tabitha...You have to write for yourself. You have to write what you're passionate about. What you know INFORMS your writing.

Good call, Richard.

For me its a way to have adventures and do things I never would. (has had a dull life unless you include her fantasy life )

I am in no way writer; but I would suggest that cop and sci-fi movies aren't really about cops and aliens. Yes, those are story elements, such as what the people do. But the write what you know part has to do with, I think, the interpersonal relationships between the characters and the action ect. For example, Star Trek V, first thing to come to my head, isn't as much about flying in space as it is the relationship between Spock, Kirk, and McCoy-- friendships which are tested, as well as trying to find one's place in the universe-- what you know. We've all have friends for long periods of time, and we've all have relationships get complicated and we all question what god is and if there is a god at one point or other. That is the what you know part. The fact that it is a space opera is immaterial to the fact of "what you know," because a script, and a story isn't so much so setting as it is the populations therein. my 2 cents.

You don't have to write what you know, but you do have to know about what you write. That is where research comes in.

Absolutely and depending on the subject matter. But don't substitute research for actual writing. There's only so much knowledge you need to write a script.

BS indeed. I am a multi-genre writer. I use my brain, and like you said, I write what excites me. If I only wrote what I knew, I'd be doing stories of a Master Sergeant in the Air Force that's an x-ray tech- BORING! LOL! Thankfully I am now retired and moved onto farmer and author.

I agree Kathy, I too am an all rounder when it comes to the creative imagination. I could not write made up children's stories if it weren't for the creative imagination taking me on an imaginary journey.