The Secret Power Mature Writers Don’t Know They Have

With age comes experience. It may sound clichéd, but it’s true nonetheless. 
 
As writers, we understand the power of the written word. We are compelled to convert our creative ideas into something everlasting. Ink on paper, keystroke on screen. We are composers of the indelible, harboring hopes our psyches will endure well beyond our time here on earth. Sometimes it’s for personal reasons, other times to stimulate the minds of a broader readership. 
 
I’m amazed at how rarely aspiring mature writers consider life experience when crafting their stories. It’s the open secret so many ignore. 
 
We’ve lived, loved, lost, and learned. The events of our lives, both milestones and the mundane, are valuable fodder for our projects. Each of us is unique. We have had experiences that are unlike anyone else’s, gifts to draw from when building settings, characters, backstories, and plotlines. 
 
But, deciding which ones to incorporate can be tricky. To get you started, take a few minutes to write down the most memorable adventures, encounters, and ordeals you’ve faced. As you do so, note the emotions and senses associated with those memories. Were you scared, exhilarated, angry, cold, drained? 
 
Next, ask yourself some prodding questions… 
 
Where have I lived or traveled to? Would it make for a compelling setting for my story? When creating your setting, research is vital but experience is invaluable. Use it. Look back at old photos or videos to remind yourself of the vibe, the smells, and foods. 
 
Have I ever been in love? Capture how you felt, and embed those emotions in your romantic prose. 
 
Do I have any unusual hobbies? They are creative gold. You may just be the first author to have a skydiving belly dancer as the protagonist! 
 
Do I or someone I know have an uncommon occupation? Think along the lines of police diver or astronomer. Need I say it? Use these elements to develop your characters. 
 
Have I ever had a mean boss or neighbor? It will help you write your villain’s behaviors and speech more realistically. 
 
There are many other such questions to ask and answer, so go to town! 
 
In my novel, spree, a Jon Steadman thriller, I integrated my time spent overseas, canyoneering out west, and my current city of Cincinnati, among other personal elements. These details inevitably enriched the plot and backdrop. 
 
If you're not the adventurous sort, don't worry. Make a list of your common pastimes. Do you knit, bake, or play golf? The hobbies you are already familiar with will help you make your characters more relatable. 
 
Now, take a good look at your list of experiences. This is your secret power. Turning your bucket list into an experience list will spark one-of-a-kind, highly engaging storylines. And the best thing is, you can add to your list at any time. 
 
Now that you know the writer’s secret power, isn’t it time to start penning the next bestseller?