Day 70 - Recipe

 RECIPE

Prompt - Recipe : Write about a recipe for something abstract, like a feeling.

You will need :

Screen

Keyboard

Comfy chair

A bit of peace

Ingredients :

1 almost ripe concept

3-4 green plot constructs

A large variegated cast of characters

1 beginning (tinned or fresh)

As many ideas as you can carry

2-3 endings, hot or cold

A couple of unexpected twists

A bunch of fresh metaphors

1 tsp sadness

2 tsps happiness

1 Tbsp excitement

3 cups of varied imagination

A large dash of creativity

A thesaurus to taste

Craziness if desired

Method :

1. Gently sauté the concept, gradually adding the plot constructs until it begins to stick to the pan.

2. Add the beginning and stir until loose.  If using fresh you may need to add water.

3. Stirring constantly, gradually introduce the characters, bringing each one to life.  You may prefer to reserve some characters to be added later, if you like that half baked taste.

4.  As each character hardens add a pinch of ideas and the first cup of imagination.

5.  Add the sadness, happiness and excitement, and craziness if using.  Check the flavour carefully during this step.

6.  Turn off the heat and allow the dish to marinate in its own juices.  You may want to sprinkle on some fresh words at this stage, with the best of your metaphors.

7.  After a few days decide which of the unexpected twists you want to use as a finishing flavour.  Don't overdo it or you'll ruin the whole dish.

8.  In a separate pan fry the endings together until they begin to blend and take on a coherent shape.  Add to the main dish.

9.  Chop off words from your thesaurus and add carefully to spice up the language.  

10.  Serve your story to family and friends, adjust seasoning according to taste, before sending on to publishers.