500 Words
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alanlake
500 Words
500 Words-
on publishing except
when it isn’t
#40 RIP Q
Composer, Producer, Arranger, Player, Innovator, Bad Ass Motherfucker Quincy Jones has left the world one superlative, iconic, genius short. 75 years of shaping air to our liking from Basie, Ellington, Sinatra and Miles to Ray Charles, Michael Jackson and Joy Division. They sought him out as did hundreds of others too many to list, but a few good ones if i were going to list would be Leslie Gore’s “It’s My Party” or Austin Powers Soul Bossa Nova or the soundtracks to Roots, The Color Purple and Sanford and Son. Moody’s Mood For Love or We Are The World get honorable mention as well.
500 Words #28- So Many Words
I saw a comedian complaining about reading books. How there’s so many words page after page without a few blank ones in between so you can rest… but no, the words just keep coming. It was very funny and led me to consider how much worse it is writing them, in this case, 500 a week.
500 words #23 – The Storyteller
Transcribing recent interviews for the most powerful piece I’ve written for Home Cookin’- The Stories Behind The Food, my POV should be noted.
Storytellers relate anecdotes and recite tales and their narration makes the audience identify with scenarios and characters. Creativity, humor, timing and merciless editing (aka “killing your darlings”) are important skills to possess. AKA chronicler, fabulator, raconteur, griot, spinner of yarns or anecdotist.
500 Words #22- “Art Is Only Abandoned, Never Finished”
I stopped writing “Home Cookin’- The Stories Behind The Food” a few years ago. I’d written 20 profiles, a seemingly respectable number that was already a couple hundred pages. After 100 unsolicited queries were unsuccessful, and then Covid – the manuscript wasn’t going anywhere so minimal effort was expended by moi.
500 Words #21- That Time I Filled A Bathtub With Chocolate Mousse
Did my “influencer” dinner. They were lovely, appreciative and fun. It went well- but it was also arduous and turned into more than I bargained for. 8 courses became 2 menus filled with substitutions as vegans were in the house and it had to be soigné. Add some last minute menu requests, a 2nd floor load in with a heavy cooler and kitchen equipment, no (requested and agreed upon) parking spot, and a “do you mind if we go to the liquor store?” as I’m plating the amuse bouche…
500 Words #20 Up My Algorithm
There’s also been movement on some cyber stuff. A few podcast interviews are happening and another is a food shoot in NY for a possible internet show. Eat This Tv wants me to come to NY to tape a pilot. I’d have to get there on my own dime but they pay all production and I’d retain the rights. It’s worth a shot so will move forward with it.
500 Words #19 –
On The Road
I don’t need a ring or watch, but new cultural experiences I never tire of.
Having learned more from travel than from any book or class, and subscribing to the “you never lose when you invest in yourself” adage, it was time for a trip. Nearly 3 weeks in Europe were on the menu.
500 Words #18 In Pursuit Of Joys Untasted
“In pursuit of joys untasted”
a quote from Verdi’s La Traviata could be my on my calling card just after “phoenix from the ashes.” A long standing pleasure junkie looking for his next fix is an accurate description of how I’ve led my life.
500 Words #17-
A Week In The Life
As a pleasure glutton that prefers collecting experiences over objects,
the Great Wall of China or sipping vintage port overlooking the Douro Valley wins over a Rolex or designer clothes. The rich tapestry that informs who I am over what I have gives me the mindset to draw upon as life enfolds.