Write what you don't know

A WORDSLINGER 10-SHOT WRITE WHAT YOU DON'T KNOW They say, "Write what you know." But what happens when your story takes you somewhere you've never been, into a time period you've never experienced, or into the mind of someone with skills you don't have? The truth is, you don't have to know everything to write about anything. In this episode of Wordslinger 10-Shots, bestselling author J. Kevin Tumlinson shares practical tips for writing convincingly about things you know little or nothing about. Whether you're writing a historical thriller, science fiction, fantasy, or contemporary fiction, learning how to research unfamiliar subjects and draw from your own experiences can make your stories more believable and immersive. We'll explore how tools like Google Maps, Google Earth, YouTube, and AI can help you research unfamiliar locations, historical settings, professions, and technologies. We'll also talk about using your own life experiences to bring authenticity and emotional depth to situations you've never personally encountered. And what happens when you get something wrong? Because sooner or later, every writer does! Don't let gaps in your knowledge stop you from telling a great story. The world is full of resources, and your imagination is one of the most powerful tools you've got. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: How to research places you've never visited How to use Google Maps and Google Earth for fiction research How AI can help with historical settings and unfamiliar subjects How to draw on personal experiences to write the unfamiliar Why fact-checking matters (especially when readers know more than you) How YouTube can help bring your settings and characters to life QUESTION FOR YOU: How do you research something you've never experienced? What tools or tricks do you use to make your fiction feel authentic? Share your tips in the comments! CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Why Writers Must Write What They Don't Know 00:46 - Writing About Unfamiliar Places, Times, and Professions 01:38 - Researching Locations with Google Maps and Google Earth 03:31 - Using AI to Research Historical Settings 05:09 - Using Your Own Experiences to Write the Unknown 07:53 - Getting the Details Wrong (and Hearing About It!) 08:42 - Fact-Checking and Research Resources 09:23 - Using YouTube to Explore Places and Learn New Skills 11:09 - Share Your Best Writing Research Tips SUBSCRIBE TO WORDSLINGER! Whether you're writing your first novel or publishing your fiftieth, Wordslinger is here to help you become a better writer and build a successful author career. Get practical writing advice, publishing insights, book marketing strategies, and encouragement from an author who's been there. Subscribe and join a community of writers who are serious about their craft and their careers! Visit the Knovelton Bookshop at knoveltonbooks.com GET 15% OFF YOUR ENTIRE ORDER AT CHECKOUT WITH CODE STORYCUTS FIND KEVIN: Find Kevin and his books: https://kevintumlinson.com Join Kevin on Substack: https://kevintumlinson.substack.com Wordslinger Podcast home page: https://wordslingerpodcast.com SERVICES FOR AUTHORS: Polish your writing and make it ready for publishing with ProWritingAid: https://tidd.ly/3NCdlk5 Publish your book to every major retailer online, get your book into print and ebook, and get support the whole way at Draft2Digital: https://draft2digital.com/wordslinger Find a virtual assistant to help you market your books (and more!) at AuthorAnchor: https://authoranchor.com #WritingTips #CreativeWriting #WritingAdvice #FictionWriting #NovelWriting #AuthorLife #Wordslinger Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.