Jeffrey HarlanNew newsletter issue is LIVE! ✍️🔥
"Write what you know" is one of the most overused pieces of advice in our field. But how do you apply that to sci-fi, horror, or fantasy when you aren't a space marine, vampire, or wizard?
In this week's episode of Foundations, I'm breaking down a 3-part framework to turn personal experience into authentic fiction without writing your autobiography.
We cover:
🔹 The 3 interpretations of "Write What You Know" (Literal, Research, Emotional)
🔹 Why writing from fear is often more powerful than writing from experience
🔹 My "Three Layers of Research" model: Technical, Emotional, and Systemic details.
🔹 How to avoid the "Savior Narrative" trap where disabled characters exist only to teach able-bodied heroes lessons.
🔹 A practical craft exercise: Vulnerability Mapping.
I'm using my own journey with Type 2 diabetes to show how chronic illness can ground a zombie apocalypse story, turning a perceived weakness into a survival asset for the protagonist.
If you write speculative fiction and want to deepen your craft while building a more authentic world, this one is for you.
👇 Read the full issue and sign up for future emails: Link in bio or http://jhrln.link/signup
💬 Tell me in the comments: What's a fear you'd love to see explored in a story? Or a piece of writing advice you think is overrated? Let's discuss!
#AmWriting #WritingCommunity #IndieAuthor #SpeculativeFiction #UrbanFantasy #HorrorWriters #ScienceFiction #WritingTips #AuthorLife #DiabetesAwareness #DisabilityRepresentation #WritingCraft #CraftOfWriting #BookLaunch #FutureRelease
"Write what you know" is one of the most overused pieces of advice in our field. But how do you apply that to sci-fi, horror, or fantasy when you aren't a space marine, vampire, or wizard?
In this week's episode of Foundations, I'm breaking down a 3-part framework to turn personal experience into authentic fiction without writing your autobiography.
We cover:
🔹 The 3 interpretations of "Write What You Know" (Literal, Research, Emotional)
🔹 Why writing from fear is often more powerful than writing from experience
🔹 My "Three Layers of Research" model: Technical, Emotional, and Systemic details.
🔹 How to avoid the "Savior Narrative" trap where disabled characters exist only to teach able-bodied heroes lessons.
🔹 A practical craft exercise: Vulnerability Mapping.
I'm using my own journey with Type 2 diabetes to show how chronic illness can ground a zombie apocalypse story, turning a perceived weakness into a survival asset for the protagonist.
If you write speculative fiction and want to deepen your craft while building a more authentic world, this one is for you.
👇 Read the full issue and sign up for future emails: Link in bio or http://jhrln.link/signup
💬 Tell me in the comments: What's a fear you'd love to see explored in a story? Or a piece of writing advice you think is overrated? Let's discuss!
#AmWriting #WritingCommunity #IndieAuthor #SpeculativeFiction #UrbanFantasy #HorrorWriters #ScienceFiction #WritingTips #AuthorLife #DiabetesAwareness #DisabilityRepresentation #WritingCraft #CraftOfWriting #BookLaunch #FutureRelease
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