*stands up*
Hi, my name is Joanne and I’m obsessed with food.
I don’t eat when I’m upset, or lonely, although I have noticed a tendency to munch away the boredom. I just love food. I love buying it (Mmmm fresh fruit and veg) I love cooking it and boy, do I love eating it. If my thumb was a little more green and a little less kill-every-plant-in-sight I’m sure I would also love growing it!
Why this sudden bout of food-aholics anonymous? Firstly I spent NYE with a very dear friend cooking, eating and drinking up a storm. But this is nothing new. It’s all about something one of my lovely beta-readers said to me. Something along the lines of ‘There’s a lot of food in this book. It made me hungry.’ As I revise I’m noticing that boy, there IS a lot of food in this book!
So I’ve been pondering why? Because food gives an insight not only into a new culture, but into characters. There is a difference between characters who cook stew over an open fire, and those who get seafood take-away. What food is chosen, how it is prepared, whether or not they have the funds to acquire foods out of season, all of these say a lot about a character.
Of course, I think it’s got a lot to do with the main character as well. Very early on she’s put into a position where she does not have enough to eat. I believe you would start noticing food, perhaps more than you usually would, if you are suddenly forced to go hungry.
I, for instance, seem to notice it all the time. Hungry or not š
Now excuse me, I think I need to make myself something to eat…
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Interesting food in stories is one of those vivid details that make me really sit up and take notice. Maybe because eating is such a sensory experience–a delight (or blight?!) to the eye, ear and mouth.
More likely, because for the past five-ish years I’ve been stuffing my face to meet my high-calorie requirements! š
Author
Hee what excuse do I have then for my high-calorie, delicious, yummy… wait, what was I talking about? I think I need a snack. *wanders away*
Food in your writing? Bring it on, say I. Love reading about eating ALMOST as much as the act itself. I grew up on food in literature… Famous Five and campfire sausages; the beavers’ feast in Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe… and who can forget the maple syrup scene in To Kill a Mockingbird? Mmmm… *dribbles slightly*
Author
Mmmm *also dribbles*
Your excuse for a high-calorie diet is a high-energy dog.
Here, take this card. *hands over* It’s a card that exempts you from any dieting obligations. Also banishes guilt. Good for a couple years.
Author
Oh! Shiny card š
[…] I just love food . I love buying it (Mmmm fresh fruit and veg) I love cooking it and boy, do I love eating it. If my thumb was a little more green and a little less kill-every-plant-in-sight Iām sure I would also love growing it! …[Continue Reading] […]