They are what they eat, literally. That was the general opinion of February’s The Writing Show guest authors Kit Wilkinson, Andrew Fox, and Michelle Young-Stone regarding their book characters.
The authors, along with host Maureen Egan, served up a multi-course meal for the February edition of JRW’s monthly event, The Writing Show, titled “Sweet Indulgences: Writing Food, Drink, and Romance” that focused on how region, culture, situations, personality quirks, habits, and health issues dictate what characters consume and the part food plays in their lives.
Kit Wilkinson works within the American Southern culture, Andrew Fox favors the fat-rich cuisine of New Orleans—or rather, his vampires and ghouls feed on folks whose diets are such—and Michelle Young-Stone’s personalities make their choices for her. From rose water-flavored marzipan to ghouls feeding on dead stuff, these things matter. They’re natural elements in story; they make sense and add seasoning.
Food can be for ritual or centerpiece, as in Dinesen’s Babette’s Feast, or for comfort and celebration, as one of Michelle’s characters demonstrates when she rewards herself with a chocolate shake after a long, low-calorie stint. “Some characters come to me through food—likes and dislikes, gluttony, and there will always be drunks,” said Michelle. Kit pointed out that dating and dining are inseparable. “It’s a time of sharing, often leading to romance,” she said.
The panelists discussed the creative process, with Andrew and Michelle stressing the benefits of writing without inhibitions. “Turn the volume up to 11,” advised Andrew. “But play it straight with your readers.”
“My favorite part is throwing up on the page,” said Michelle. “Get it all down, then cut.” Also, remember to include all the senses, even “how it feels on the tongue.”
Both the moderator, Maureen, and the audience had probing questions; the panelists had thought-provoking answers:
- Do you eat what your characters eat? Good idea. You want to go for authenticity.
- What crumbs are in your beds? “Whatever crumbs are in my bed come from the feet of my little boys,” said Andrew.
- What if food is repulsive? How does that engage the reader? Then it’s repulsive, but there has to be a purpose.
- And finally, Why do you write? Kit writes “to take you back to when you first fell in love.” Andrew, “to assuage loneliness in the reader, provide companionship in a book.” Michelle always wants to “make people love each other and make people cry, because they love each other so much.”
That topped off the evening well, like champagne.
—Troy Howell, author-illustrator and JRW website contributor
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