Writing a book is never easy, especially if it is food fiction. There are a lot of elements to take into account, as well as struggles to deal with. Shortcuts are nowhere to be found; hence, you must really start from the bottom with a blank paper on your desk and a pen on your hand.
Expect that there will be many hardships that will come along the way, these may make or break your author career; however, just continue writing and everything will make sense later. With that being said, listed below are the tips in writing an enticing book about food fiction that you should know.
Get to know more about your target reader base
Knowing your targets is necessary. They are the ones that play a great part in the success of your book. Without them, your story wouldn’t live for a lifetime. Like how there is a wide array of literary genre, there is also a broad variety of reader base present. The readers are commonly classified by their age. There are the young readers, ages 3-12 years old, young adult readers, ages 12-19 years old, and adult readers, ages 20 years old and up. Hence, research about the interest and likes of your target readers so that you can incorporate them in your writings. It is also essential for you to identify their age range beforehand so that you can use a tone and language that are appropriate on their age.
Create an outline of the plot
You have the freedom to choose whether you want your book to be a full-blown novel or an anthology-like. The former will just center on one story and one plot while the latter will feature multiple stories as well as different sequence of events. Afterward, make an outline of the plot. Take note that you have have the option to write using the conventional plot or not. You can start in the middle and have the introduction using flashbacks, do not end the story by using a cliffhanger, or follow the traditional sequence that has an introduction, conflict, rising action, climax, falling action, and conclusion. Moreover, you can put some phrases or keywords that will help you streamline the flow when you actually jumpstart on the writing process.
Craft the setting and characters
The place where the tale take place and the characters that move the story forward are two of the most important elements of a novel. Please create the setting of your story in the most descriptive way possible. This is to help your readers imagine what the place looks like, and a great way for you to practice the “show, don’t tell” rule. When it comes to the creation of characters, you should also describe the physical aspects. Make sure that their looks fit their personalities and traits. During this part, you may identify who would become the protagonist, antagonist, flat, round, dynamic, and etc. so that you will be guided when you begin using them to move your story from introduction to conclusion. Please do know that characters without development will lose the interest of the readers. Hence, ensure that you incorporate some changes in their overall characteristics before the story ends.
Start writing the story using your preferred point of view
Point of view is important. This aspect will help the readers comprehend the story better, as well as get some information about the thoughts, actions, and emotions of the characters. The most commonly used point of view is the first person and third person point of view. The former uses “I” or “me” pronouns because the reader is brought to the character’s inner being and making the reader see the story through the eyes of the particular character, such as the protagonist. The latter utilizes the pronouns “he” or “she” because the story is being narrated by a particular character or an unknown narrator who doesn’t partake in the story but knows the sequence of events. Hence, begin writing your book by using the point of view that you think will make the readers more interested and engaged in your story.
Put some twists and turns or defining element
A captivating story always has an element that will leave a mark on the lives of its readers. When it comes to food fiction, you should really try to highlight some factors that revolve around food. Take for example Anita Legsdin’s book of favorite recipes and experiences, Remembrance of Meals Past. Although it is a fictional book, it cannot be denied that most of the stories are based on the personal experiences of the author and are featuring delectable dishes that showcased her Latvian ancestry. Therefore, you should highlight something that will make be remembered by your readers and perhaps take inspiration in their battle through life.
The Happy Hammock 