Hello and happy Friday everyone!
As the finish line of my book grows ever closer I’ve started contemplating things I’ve over looked in the past. Have you ever noticed how much more you enjoy a book that also contains tantalizing foods that make you wish you could be there? Here are my three reasons for the value of food in books.
Basic Needs
Every living things requires nourishment to survive and our characters are no different. Hunger can de a lot to a story. It can show a different side to a character you may not have gotten to see otherwise. Not to mention the threat of starvation can add in some added tension. On the flip side over indulgence or lack there of can give another look at a character. Perhaps they’re ravenous from a hard day’s work so they’re gorging themselves, or perhaps edict is something enforced so despite their hunger they must stay proper. This can also give your reader a look at your character’s dietary preferences or needs.
Insight
Food is one of those grand things that brings humanity together while also opening the door into different cultures. Whether your story takes place in our world or somewhere else, there is bound to be people from different walks of life. Never be afraid to get creative. For example, if your story takes place in California and your MC is a Texan who has never even thought of trying sushi, what must it be like for them when they’re friend somehow convinces them to try the dish? Even if your story takes place in a different galaxy, what is the food like on different planets? As close as food can bring us, it can also push us away. What is considered a delicious meal in one place may be taken as an insult somewhere else. One wrong ingredient can mark the death of someone if they have an allergy or perhaps the meal was even poisoned. Food can be a perfect weapon or even a red herring.
A Delicious Hobby
Hobbies are one of those things that can provide the character an escape from whatever is pulling them down in the story. Everyone needs a distraction from the woes of life. What better hobby is there than cooking? In Reaper some of my favorite scenes to write are those where my MC is cooking. In Sarine’s case, cooking is one of the few things that makes her feel like herself again while also allowing her to make the ones she cares about happy. Food, or more so cooking can also be a great way to add in some dramatic effect. The slip of the mind can result in a cut or burn for a character that is a great emphasis that they aren’t entirely there or on the chance they are with someone, their getting hurt is a get chance for a tender moment between the two. Likewise it can be something to bring characters closer. Character A may need help making a cake and wouldn’t you know it, Character B has the perfect recipe that is sure to impress but insists Character A help them in the kitchen and thus a friendship or something more is formed.
Of course this post would make me hungry. That’s it for this week folks. Join me next week when we kick off a new month and go over some tips for keeping yourself going.
Until next week!
Happy reading and writing to all and to all a good day!
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