Writing Excuses
20.19: Cooking as a Writing Metaphor
May 11, 2025
Cooking and writing share surprising similarities, with both processes benefitting from creativity, preparation, and improvisation. The idea of 'mise en place' underscores the importance of outlining in writing, much like setting up a kitchen before cooking. Personal expression takes center stage as hosts discuss how everyday cooking can spark inspiration for narrative development. They also examine the balance between structure and flexibility in both art forms, invoking the joy of experimentation to enhance storytelling and enrich the creative process.
29:40
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- Cooking parallels writing, as both require improvisation and adaptability to overcome challenges and enhance creativity.
- The value of both cooking and writing lies in personal connection, emphasizing that fulfillment comes from intention rather than complexity.
Deep dives
Writing as Cooking: A Metaphorical Connection
Cooking serves as a powerful metaphor for the creative process in writing, emphasizing that everyone possesses a level of creativity, even if they don't recognize it. The discussion highlights how cooking requires improvisation and adaptation, akin to revising writing when certain components are missing. For instance, substituting ingredients reflects the flexibility writers must adopt when faced with challenges in their narratives or character development. This metaphor suggests that understanding the creative process through cooking can bolster a writer's confidence in their craft.
