Hatrack River Writers Workshop: Soul Food and Resonating Themes

This is topic Soul Food and Resonating Themes in forum Open Discussions About Writing at Hatrack River Writers Workshop.

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Posted by Bent Tree (Member # 7777) on :

quote:
As a chef I quickly learned ways to tug on diners heartstrings? How? Soul Food, Down home cookin, Just like Gramma or Momma used to make, these are all names for cuisine that connects people with their childhoods. Comfortable food, that they remember growing up. Whether it be biscuits and gravy, Lemon meringue pie, mashed potatoes, or fried okra, everyone has their cryptonite, and I can find it out.
I can't speak for everyone, but my childhood was the time in my life when all my dreams could still come true, where there was still potential magic in every moment, or in every turn of a corner. My grandmother's farm was a magic place where I found joy in every discovery, sound, and breath. To tap into those

Posted by andersonmcdonald (Member # 8641) on :

Great post, Scott. You really hit the nail on the head for me. THAT'S what writing is all about to me. The same for reading. When I was young I'd head off into the woods with my stick/sword and just let my imagination wander. Video games couldn't begin to compare with the images I created in my head. I like all types of stories, but the ones that resonate most with me are the ones that tap into that sense of wonder I felt as a child. I think too often as writers we get caught up in the mechanics of writing and lose the emotional connection. I understand the need to learn the craft, and I do want to be successful as a writer. But when writing becomes just forming words on a page I'll move on to something else. Thanks for this.

Posted by Bent Tree (Member # 7777) on :

I am glad that I could help. That adhering to the rules and the mechanics of writing were exactly what I had been contemplating when I wrote this. I just read a story that got me by the heartstrings and it made me ask why because there was a great issue with suspention of disbelief, then it struck me. It made me feel like I did when I was a kid.

Happy writing.

~Scott