Two Sylvias Press' Weekly Muse

Two Sylvias Press' Weekly Muse

Share this post

Two Sylvias Press' Weekly Muse
Two Sylvias Press' Weekly Muse
Two Sylvias' Weekly Muse: June 23, 2024
Copy link
Facebook
Email
Notes
More

Two Sylvias' Weekly Muse: June 23, 2024

Issue 113

Two Sylvias Press's avatar
Two Sylvias Press
Jun 23, 2024
∙ Paid
4

Share this post

Two Sylvias Press' Weekly Muse
Two Sylvias Press' Weekly Muse
Two Sylvias' Weekly Muse: June 23, 2024
Copy link
Facebook
Email
Notes
More
Share

Hello, Writers and Poets!

Have you heard of the old writing adage “write what you know?” It’s been a foundational piece of advice that can be traced back to several well-known writers, including Mark Twain and Ernest Hemingway. “Write what you know” is rooted in the belief that authenticity and emotional truth primarily stem from our personal experiences. While there is definite value to this advice (and most of us have probably followed it in many of our poems, stories, and essays), this approach has the potential to stifle our creativity.

For example, maybe you are a poet who has achieved a certain amount of success writing about motherhood and the natural world. You are confident in your knowledge of both areas (you have raised two children, and you are an environmental scientist specializing in restoring lake habitats). But, you are feeling somewhat trapped in your writing world, and secretly, you would love to compose a collection of persona poems about being a female stunt double …

This post is for paid subscribers

Already a paid subscriber? Sign in
© 2025 Two Sylvias Press
Privacy ∙ Terms ∙ Collection notice
Start writingGet the app
Substack is the home for great culture

Share

Copy link
Facebook
Email
Notes
More