Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Cooking Up Gumbo


Sorry guys, but today's blog post is running a little bit late.  You see, I had to wrestle with this guy and he didn't want to cooperate.  Writing is like making a fine gumbo.  I was raised near the swamps of Louisiana, and I learned early on what goes in that pot.  It takes time and the right ingredients to produce a finished product that anyone could sink their teeth into.

Good writing is the same way.  There are so many ways to create a story but only the right mix will create a story worth reading.



Okra is the foundation of gumbo.  It doesn't matter whether you add chicken, sausage, or seafood.  Some people add rice at the end and others may put in noodles.  You can throw in any vegetables you want, but if you don't have okra...you don't have gumbo!

The foundation of a good story is strong writing skills.  Weak characters, poor grammar, and unsatisfactory endings leave a bad taste in a reader's mouth.  Who would want to sit down to a bland bowl of tasteless gumbo?  And who would want to sit down to a bland, boring book when you have already figured out everything about the story line before you begin?


Gumbo's secret ingredient?  Why file' of course!  File' powder is actually ground up sassafras and it is the added spice that gives gumbo the right kick of flavor.  While you might get lucky and make a good gumbo without this spice, why would you take that chance?

Writing's secret ingredient?  Why it's YOU, the author, of course!  When you allow all the creativity within you to spice up your stories, the real flavor or style of writing comes through.  Anyone can put words onto the computer screen, but it is the writer who allows their writing skills to blend with their own creativity who cooks up a great story.  

A great gumbo takes time and patience to make a meal worth sinking your teeth into...so does great writing...

Enjoy!





13 comments:

  1. I will eat the gumbo while reading your blog. I heard some people put their gumbo over potato salad. I would eat that,too. Maybe while writing something of my own. Thanks.

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    1. I would encourage everyone to try gumbo...but MY specialty is sausage and chicken gumbo...I could eat THAT anytime! And I don't remember ever putting it over potato salad but I think I would try that as well!

      You are a good writer, Janet, with a creative mind...of course you would cook up a lovely story!

      Thanks for stopping by and come back any time!

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  2. This post is as educational as it is mouth-watering. I can't say I've enjoyed really good gumbo over the years but this looks great!

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    1. Ohh, Stephen, you don't know what you have been missing! ;0)

      When I moved to Dallas, the first thing I did was make connections back in Louisiana to keep my supply of crawfish coming...lol

      Thanks for stopping by and come back any time!

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  3. You cooked up a spicy, yummy blog post again today, Donna! So so true. The secret ingredients are in my head. If only I could get them out and then find a publisher to love them....

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    1. Yes, Genevieve, the challenge is to uncover the secret within and that is not always easy. I'm glad you liked today's post...;-)

      Thanks for stopping by and come back any time!

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  4. I love the comparison, Donna! I never knew the special ingredient in gumbo, but I do now...

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    1. What good is knowing the secret to a great gumbo if I can't share it with friends? ;-)

      Thanks for stopping by and come back any time!

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  5. I love gumbo. This blog post had a yummy recipe and great analogy. Very creative. Now I have to go buy some file and make some gumbo!

    Richard Alan

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    1. I didn't know they made gumbo in your neck of the woods, Richard but I'm glad you liked it! My favorite winter days are ones where a stock pot of gumbo is on the stove and I have a stack of books beside me that needs my attention...ahhh, heaven! ;0)

      Thanks for stopping by and come back any time!

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  6. Would you believe I never knew what Gumbo was! At least not till I googled it just now and then I realised its a stew. Sounds very nice would love to try it some time. Must check out the recipies on google for it. Love the analogy with writing. Very cool and yummy!

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    1. While most people's bodies are made up of something like 90% water, MY body must be about 45% water and 45% GUMBO...;0)...you should try it sometime...

      Thanks for stopping by and come back any time!

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    2. LOL! Then mine must be the same...lol.

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