How to Write About Fictional Foods and Feasts

Food, in any story, is almost unavoidable.

Whether your characters are cooking a traditional meal from their culture, or grabbing a bite to eat, food can become a memorable part of a scene.

Personally, I love when I get the chance to write about food, because of how descriptive you can be when talking about a meal. And its those small details that bring a story, and it’s characters, to life. Take a line from my WIP as an example: “I was rewarded with freshly baked bread topped with minced garlic and a generous drizzle of olive oil.” Got your mouth watering already, right? It’s the little sentences like that will hook reader’s attention in a snap.

No, you don’t have to sound like a menu when talking about what’s on the plate. However, plugging in descriptive details will enrich your story and build a realistic, clear image for your characters, and your readers.

Preparation

• Boiled
• Broiled
• Fried
• Baked
• Roasted
• Steamed

Taste and Flavor

• Sweet, Sugary, Salty
• Juicy, Fresh, Tart
• Bitter, Sharp, Sour, Acrid
• Refreshing, Rich,
• Smokey, Fiery, Zesty, Vinegary

Texture

• Crispy, Crunchy, Greasy, Oily
• Charred, Sticky, Soft, Doughy
• Mushy, Slimy, Luscious, Dry, Airy
• Melted, Stringy, Tough, Ooey-Gooey
• Ripe, Rotten, Chilled, Piping Hot

Rapid Fire Tips

• If your writing about a cuisine from a culture that’s not your own, do the research. You’ll want to be accurate with the information from another heritage.
• Writing Sci-Fi or Fantasy? Be creative with inventing delicacies that tie into your setting. Consider incorporating holidays that center around a certain meal. What does Thanksgiving look like on Pluto? You tell me.
• When the story takes place in another time period, think about what food was common back then and how it was prepared.

Throw away vague words like “delicious” and give your readers something to chew on. What are some food related moments from your favorite stories? Does your WIP have a line regarding a good meal? Talk to me in the comments! Have a great weekend you guys. Right now, I’m off to an escape room.

Write with Heart,

Lady Jabberwocky

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