It's a bit cliche, but you can't go wrong by writing what you know. Even if you're a horrible writer, your own knowledge and experience is unrivaled. Nobody knows what you know like you know what you know. The way you see things is pretty unique.

The quote by Issa Rae emphasizes the value of personal experience and authenticity in writing and creative work. Rae acknowledges that the advice to write what you know may seem cliché, but she underscores its enduring truth: each individual’s knowledge and perspective is unique and cannot be replicated by others. This highlights the power of drawing from one’s own life to create compelling, original work.

Rae suggests that even if someone considers themselves a horrible writer, their personal insights and experience are unmatched. The quote stresses that the richness of one’s own viewpoint can make up for technical shortcomings, as the uniqueness of perception and firsthand knowledge provides depth, nuance, and originality that no external source can supply.

The origin of this statement comes from Rae’s career as a writer, actress, and producer, particularly known for creating content that reflects her personal perspective and lived experiences, such as the acclaimed series Insecure. Her reflection encourages aspiring creators to embrace their own stories and voices as the foundation of their work, rather than trying to imitate others.

In essence, the quote underscores that creativity and authenticity are rooted in the individual perspective. Rae reminds us that our unique way of seeing the world is a powerful resource in storytelling, and that embracing what we know and have experienced can lead to work that resonates with others in ways that purely technical skill alone cannot achieve.