chicken soup Monday

Soundtrack: December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night) by The Four Seasons
Words: +100 because I cannot for the life of me write a good opening scene

Hello!

It's Monday, and a what glorious Monday it has been. Today was good.

I decided to go on a walk, not really sure where I'd end up, and found myself at the library. Okay, to tell the truth, I had planned on going to the library to pay for the book I lost (eek! I know, horrible, terrible, no good thing to do. Do not steal from libraries!). But, when I got there, I lost my nerve. Oh, and I was a bit distracted by a book sale!

The library in my town holds book sales a few times a year. All fiction is twenty-five cents, or five for a dollar. It's pretty much the best time of the year, besides Christmas :)

Anyways, I left almost an hour (and several books) later with a borrowed copy of Fallen by Lauren Kate that I can't wait to read. Next, I bought carrots, chicken and different colored pasta. Why? CHICKEN SOUP MONDAY!

I've been craving chicken soup for weeks. I have a bit of a cold and I've always believed in the healing power of good, hot food. Maybe it's a mindset thing. Whatever. If it tastes good, I'm happy.

Now, to tie this all back with a poor writing analogy!

The soup I made was good, but it wasn't great. And I think I know why. To begin with, I simmered the carrots and onions together with the chicken skins. But, in hindsight, I should've seared the meat, too. And I should've let them cook for long enough to be really delicious and crispy. I didn't push it far enough.

I think, in writing, cooking and life, you have to know where to draw the line. When things start to burn, everyone can smell it and it's time to turn off the heat. But you've got to go right to the breaking point--right to the edge--in order for the flavors to come out strong enough.

Yeah, when I said poor writing analogy, that was a major understatement.

All I wanted to say is that the first draft is all about going for it. Toss everything in pan, and watch it simmer. Even if it doesn't taste good, you can always go back and edit.

Oh yeah, and don't add your garlic too early. That's a big no-no.

Love,

Erika