I sometimes make sweet and sour meatballs. Three of the ingredients, pineapple juice, BBQ sauce, and cranberry sauce, require mixing to achieve the right consistency. If I don't mash the jellied cranberry sauce into small enough chunks, it won't merge with the other flavors.
As I work on my book, I blend words together. Does this
sentence stir my heart or intrigue my mind? If I add a bit more dialogue, will
it improve the flow of the story? Is there enough setting detail to ground the
reader or so much that it stops the action?
I allow the plot to simmer. My heart and mind travel down
different paths to see where they will lead. This direction will add tension,
while another resolves a problem. I return to season my tale with the fresh
insights I've gained.
Writers: What are some of the ways you "cook" your
stories?
Readers: What makes a book go from good to awesome for you?
Photo Credit: Duchessa
Some columns and posts flow quickly and spring up spontaneously. Others simmer for a long time, like stew.
ReplyDeleteOdd, how it works. But I'm glad it does. :)
I like this analogy! And now I am hungry...:)
ReplyDeleteHappy blending and writing,
Karen
Hi Rhonda - Different foods require different cooking times. So it is with stories. :)
ReplyDeleteHi Karen - Yes, I'd better go make dinner.
Blessings,
Susan :)
I have to think about that one Susan, I like the analogy you use... kind of like sweet-n-sour writing :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a great analogy, Suze!
ReplyDeleteAs a writer, I love using snappy dialog to add fun to my stories.
As a reader, I love action that moves the story along. Too much narrative or description makes me yawn.
Please share your recipe--it sounds great!
Love, Jen