January 3, 2011, the first “work-day” of the New Year – kind of like the first day of school but with three layers of clothes on. Beginning in the wee hours of the morning, millions of Americans began their daily trek so they can arrive at the grindstone before putting their nose to it. There are a few aspects of the office environment I miss but the morning commute doesn’t rise to the top of the list. For those who make it on behalf of the rest of us- thank you – for whatever it is you do.
Speaking of the grindstone, this time last year I was thinking about starting on my memoir. Come to think of it, I had probably hit a few strokes on the keypad by now but for the most part; my manuscript was more concept than substance. Today I sit at a different juncture. I am much closer than I anticipated, but the ultimate product is still in the horizon. Yet the difference is dramatic. In the last two months I have hit a stride in writing that feels more than comfortable. Words, concepts, ideas, they all come a little easier and flow in a more fluid manner. That doesn’t mean that writing is easy every day, sometimes quite the opposite, however, most days I have more to say than I have time to write.
I’ve learned that quality is more important than quantity – that I need to show and not tell -that readers are not as interested in a “tell-all” as they are substance. Robin Hoffman sums it up best on her blog, Get Published, (http://getpublishedblog.com)
“Compelling, entertaining real-life stories that read like fiction written by people who were not household names before their books came out, and many still aren’t, but they are outstanding story tellers, and their stories give us access to another world, or a broader view of the world we think we know.”
This has become my goal and now I feel empowered and energized about the journey as I do arriving at my destination. Since I no longer have to make a morning commute, I wanted the first “weekday” of my new year to be a little different.
After starting with my usual cup of coffee, I wrote for a while before making the short drive to the Viking Cooking School in Franklin to learn the basics of Italian cooking. This was part of a Christmas gift I received and I wasted no time in putting it to use. The experience at this store is always amazing. Everything; the menu, instruction, meeting new friends and the process exceeded my expectations for a cold, January morning. Like writing, I learned a great meal can be made from scratch with just a few basic ingredients, the right tools, combined with the proper measurements and temperature, a great product can emerge. Thanks to Chef Paulette and her Sous Chef Melinda for their outstanding instruction.
For me, cooking is a way to wind down after writing. There’s something about chopping and stirring that soothes the soul. If you are looking for new ideas in the kitchen or to expand you knowledge about food, visit http://www.vikingtogo.com/nashville.html or call Annakate at 615 599-9617 to learn more about their classes and social events.
Here’s to a great beginning in 2011. Happy Writing and Bon Appétit.
