Saturday, July 3, 2010

Writer's Soup

Food and literature are often intertwined. Many of the culinary regions of the world are also associated with famous writers and novels. The connection is obvious. A remarkable meal takes the same preparation, creativity, and organization that a indelible story does. Chefs have a spice kit, and writers have collection of characters to pepper into a story.

One of the major food groups that parallels story telling is soup. We've all had canned soup before. After a few minutes in the microwave, it's warm enough to be palatable. We slurp it down because it's the only thing available.

But, then, if we are lucky, we are treated to a real, homemade soup. This dish is more like a meal. We are satisfied after one bowl. The soup is prepared carefully, simmered for hours, and served with a thick slice of bread.

Some commercial writing is just like canned soup. It's labeled, convenient, and easy to read. Once finished, "canned soup" novels are often discarded and forgotten. The story was entertaining enough, but we rarely remember it years later.

And, then there's those unforgettable "homemade soup" stories. We tell our friends about these books or short stories. We are proud to have read them, and we are even prouder to share their appeal with others. Years later, when we are hungry for our favorite characters and in need of a comforting, familiar read, we dust the book off and devour it again.

Just like a good soup, good stories take time. They need to simmer. The elements of the story need to cook and absorb the flavors around the them. The characters need to be spiced up with important events and challenges. And, the stock of the story needs to be carefully monitored. Too much drama and the story is too thick and hard too read. Too much fluff and there's no substance.

Good substance and good writing take life experience and practice. Get out that pen and paper and start cooking!