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: international food 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 #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 #15 –
You Never Lose
When You Invest
In Yourself
On another note, the subject of what I believe will be among the most remarkable profiles I’ve written resurfaced and we’ve made arrangements to cook together next week so we can document his recipes.
This works twofold as it offers a relaxed environment for filling in the blanks of our initial interview. There’s always follow up questions and being in the same room cooking with guard down is often better than emailed responses to questions asked.
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 #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.
500 words #9
Cast of Characters
Hearing peoples’ stories humanizes them. Often their accounts are stranger than fiction. Each chapter is an intimate profile of everyman/everywoman subjects’ lives in addition to some of their prized recipes that they graciously share.