Day 37 – Do writers need to be interested in everything
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Is the Accomplished Writer Someone Who Is Interested in Everything?
Introduction
When you flip through the pages of a novel that feels almost cinematic, or when a nonfiction essay makes you see the world in a new light, you’re often witnessing the work of a writer who seems to know everything. From the delicate anatomy of a hummingbird’s wing to the gritty economics of a 19th‑century railway boom, the writer’s knowledge appears boundless.
That impression fuels a common myth: “If you want to be an accomplished writer, you must be interested in everything.”
Is this hyper‑curiosity a prerequisite for literary greatness, or merely a romantic exaggeration? In this post, we’ll unpack the myth, explore the real relationship between curiosity and craft, and give you practical takeaways for your own writing journey.
1. The Appeal of the “Jack‑of‑All‑Trades” Writer
1.1. Breadth as a Narrative Engine
A wide knowledge base gives a writer an arsenal of storytelling tools. When you can weave together disparate subjects—say, a scientist’s obsession with quantum entanglement and a chef’s pursuit of umami—you create surprising juxtapositions that keep readers hooked.
- Example: Don DeLillo’s novels are peppered with references to pop culture, physics, and corporate jargon, turning his prose into a kaleidoscope of modern life.
- Result: Readers feel that the author “gets” the world, and they trust the narrative to transport them across it.
1.2. Credibility and Authority
When a writer can cite accurate details, it builds legitimacy. In nonfiction, especially, expertise (or the appearance of it) can be the difference between a bestseller and a footnote.
- Example: Malcolm Gladwell isn’t a psychologist, sociologist, or historian, yet he commands authority because he consistently digests research from each field and reframes it in accessible stories.
2. Why “Everything” Is a Misleading Goal
2.1. The Curse of the “Polymath‑Trap”
Trying to master everything leads to shallow knowledge, which can manifest as:
- Superficiality: Dropping jargon without context, leaving readers confused.
- Inconsistent Voice: Switching tones every time you switch subjects erodes narrative cohesion.
“A writer who knows a little about many things is often less effective than a writer who knows a lot about one thing.” – Haruki Murakami (paraphrased)
2.2. Depth Trumps Breadth in Most Genres
- Literary Fiction: The emotional truth of a character’s inner life often outweighs how many facts you can slip in.
- Genre Writing (e.g., mystery, sci‑fi): World‑building thrives on focused expertise. A detective novel benefits more from a deep dive into police procedure than from an encyclopedic survey of kitchen appliances.
2.3. The Opportunity Cost of Over‑Curiosity
Every hour you spend chasing a new hobby is an hour you could be honing your prose, revising drafts, or reading the works that inspired you. The best writers allocate their curiosity strategically, not indiscriminately.
3. What Successful Writers Actually Do
| Writer | Primary Interests | How They Leverage Curiosity |
|---|---|---|
| Toni Morrison | African‑American history, music, mythology | Integrated cultural memory into layered narratives. |
| Neil Gaiman | Folklore, comics, film | Cross‑medium storytelling, creating a mythic voice. |
| J.K. Rowling | Classical mythology, alchemy, education | Built a richly detailed magical world anchored in real‑world concepts. |
| Rebecca Solnit | Geography, politics, art history | Combines seemingly unrelated topics to reveal hidden connections. |
| George R.R. Martin | Medieval history, anthropology, linguistics | Constructs a believable fantasy realm through meticulous research in specific fields. |
Key Takeaway: Each writer has a core constellation of interests that they explore deeply, while allowing peripheral curiosities to spark fresh ideas.
4. The Science of Curiosity and Creativity
- Neuroscience: Studies show that divergent thinking—the ability to generate many possible solutions—strengthens when the brain forms connections across unrelated concepts.
- Psychology: The “Broaden‑and‑Build” theory (Barbara Fredrickson) posits that positive emotions, often triggered by curiosity, expand our mental repertoire, giving us more raw material for creative work.
In plain terms: Being curious does help you write better—but you don’t need to be curious about everything. You just need enough variety to keep the mental pathways open.
5. How to Cultivate a Productive Curiosity (Without Going Overboard)
- Identify Your “Anchor Interests.”
- List 3–5 subjects you love (e.g., vintage photography, urban gardening, Renaissance art).
- Make a habit of reading news, books, or podcasts in these areas weekly.
- Adopt a “Research‑First” Mindset for Projects.
- Before you start a story, ask: What knowledge does the world need?
- Set a research budget (e.g., 5 hours) and focus on depth, not breadth.
- Cross‑Pollinate Intentionally.
- Pair two unrelated interests (e.g., marine biology + corporate law) and brainstorm story premises.
- Use the “Random Prompt” method: Write a one‑sentence logline that forces you to combine the two.
- Limit Consumption, Amplify Production.
- For every hour spent watching a documentary, write at least 300 words.
- This “ratio rule” ensures curiosity fuels output rather than replaces it.
- Maintain a “Curiosity Journal.”
- Jot down fleeting questions (“Why do some birds migrate at night?”).
- Review monthly; pick one that resonates and research it thoroughly.
6. Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Short Answer |
|---|---|
| Do I need a formal education in every field I write about? | No. A disciplined research process and a willingness to ask experts can substitute for a degree. |
| Can I become a bestselling author by focusing on a single niche? | Absolutely. Ernest Hemingway famously limited his subject matter to war, hunting, and love, yet his work is timeless. |
| Is it okay to write about topics I’m not an expert in? | Yes, if you do thorough research, credit your sources, and avoid misrepresentation. |
| How do I avoid “information overload” when I’m curious? | Set clear limits on research time per project, and prioritize depth over quantity. |
| Should I read only within my genre to stay “focused”? | No. Reading outside your genre fuels innovation, but keep a balance so you don’t lose sight of genre conventions. |
7. Bottom Line: Curiosity, Not Everything, Makes the Accomplished Writer
- Curiosity is the engine. It drives you to ask questions, seek stories, and discover connections.
- Depth is the fuel. Master a few subjects enough to write with authority and nuance.
- Focus is the map. Align your curiosity with the story you’re telling, rather than letting it wander aimlessly.
An accomplished writer is not a person who knows everything, but a person who knows how to learn what they need, when they need it, and then transform that knowledge into compelling prose.
Action Plan: 3 Steps to Start Today
- Pick Your Anchor: Write down three topics you could talk about for hours.
- Schedule a Research Sprint: Allocate a 2‑hour block this week to dig deep into one of those topics—read a scholarly article, watch a documentary, or interview an expert.
- Write a Mini‑Story: Using the new knowledge, craft a 500‑word piece that integrates the information organically.
Repeat the cycle, and watch your writing evolve from “interesting” to illuminating.
Closing Thought
The next time you admire a writer who seems to have woven the universe into their pages, remember: they didn’t achieve that by trying to master everything. They mastered the art of selective curiosity—knowing what to explore, how deep to go, and, most importantly, how to turn that exploration into a story that matters.
If you adopt that mindset, you’ll be well on your way to joining the ranks of accomplished writers—without ever having to become a walking encyclopedia.
Happy writing!
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Thrills, Spills, and just a dash of Romance 