Spent the better part of the week researching and editing a new Home Cookin’ profile I’m doing in order to finish the first draft. Hacen is the first subject in years that’s compelled me to write a new profile (with 20 others in the can). As a result I’ve been doing a deep dive into the Northwest Saharan African country of Mauritania where my subject escaped because hereditary racial slavery is still current events there as opposed to mainly legacy as it is here.
Tag: food and stories
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 #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 #14
Cooling Irons
As is wont to happen with Home Cookin’ profile subjects, after agreeing to participate some come on board almost possessed to share their stories and others, not so much.
They’re reluctant and in need of gentle reassurance as most know trauma recently, if not currently.
500 words #11
Eclipse
20 stories in and I’ve yet to hear anything like this. Missed an eclipse because I was with my new subject now brother, Hassan- but what he told me was equally significant.
500 Words #10 –
Stomach Full Of Wonderful
In writing about the food that interested me most, that resonates deeper and vibrates at a higher level- it was more home cooked than hip cheffed. Meals in homes not restaurants. Home Cookin’s global course is of its own making, ending up including numerous newly arrived that are now citizens of our world.