How Writing is Like Cooking

A recipe for creating a mouth-watering story

As a writer, I’m always looking for the best way to tell my stories in ways that will speak to the biggest audience. Have I found the formula? No, but I have come to a conclusion. Writing is a lot like fixing dinner.

As a mom and grandma, I’ve cooked a LOT of meals. I’ve learned over the years what goes well together and what doesn’t. For example, ketchup does NOT pair well with salmon. Just my opinion, I suppose, but, um, ew. You’ve got to use ingredients that blend well with each other. Flavors should complement each other, as well as stand apart from one another without overpowering the dish. It takes years of practice.

Writing is much the same. You want to create a piece that will tantalize the pallet of even the most hardened critic. You’ve got to produce a scene that will draw the reader in and leave them wanting more. And, as with cooking, it takes years of practice.

So, here is my recipe for creating a mouth-watering tale that everyone will enjoy.

For this dish, you will need:

3 fillets of Grand Idea 2 Ripened personalities A bowlful of dicey decisions 2 handsful of random facts A full glass of plot thickener A pinch of savory flirtation 1 cup freshly squeezed plot twist

In a blank receptacle, lay 2 ripened personalities side by side. Next, place 1 Grand Idea fillet on top, leaving a little personality on each side. This will be the beginning of your dish. Gently pull your fillet apart, sprinkling drops of dicey decisions within. Add just enough random facts to add flavor, but not so much as to over saturate.

Add your second Grand Idea fillet. This will be the main portion of your meal. Again, gently pull your fillet apart. Add all but a teaspoon of dicey decisions and the remainder of the random facts. Pour plot thickener evenly across the entire fillet, making sure to seal any holes. Sprinkle with savory flirtation for flavor. *Note: more can be added for those who like a little more heat*

Finally, add the last Grand Idea fillet. This will help hold the entrée in place. As always, gently pull your fillet apart, adding the remaining dicey decisions. Wrap the ends of the ripened personalities around all three fillets and secure in place.

Finally, pour freshly squeezed plot twists between the ripened personalities. This will help add a little zest to your dish and have others asking for more.

Put a lid on your dish and set it on the back burner for several hours. This will allow all the flavors and nuances to come together, creating new aromas and textures. Once the dish has had time to marinate, check thoroughly for bits of fat that need to be removed.

Before serving, make sure your dish tastes as good as it looks. Roll it around in your mouth to check for shards that may disrupt the flow of the flavor. Inhale the aromas, ensuring all senses are wakened. Listen closely for bubbles that may burst, causing your dish to crumble.

Once you’re sure your dish is complete, serve it to your guests in plentiful portions.

I want to thank Ellie Jacobson for adding me as a writer on Flint & Steel. I’m a little giddy over it.

Christine Graves has been writing online for more than 25 years. She’s written fiction, non-fiction, and poetry. She is the weekly writing prompt creator at Promptly Written. Read more of her work at her personal publication, Enticing the Muse, and be sure to sign up for the bi-monthly newsletter. Ready to become a member and read to your little heart’s delight? Click here and find out more information.