What’s For Dinner?

When we are young, most of us never realize how that question may come to haunt us. As adults, it stalks us through the day and jumps out to scare us at the very moment we try to sit and relax in the evening. A wrong answer can return to keep you awake at night.

Writers must deal with the question’s fraternal twin, what are you writing now? We get it from readers, but not as often as it is asked by the little voices in our heads. Sometimes they are all clamoring for something different. Other times, crickets. Then, there’s always the occasion when we lose the taste for what’s cooking while it is still simmering, and we are forced to decide whether to finish the dish or not.

I suppose it is worse with authors who write a series. I have battled “the same old thing” for dinner problem with each series. Looking for a new ingredient is only fun if and when you find it. I have found myself wanting to kill everyone, and the end the series only to be stopped by a reader who wants more. Finding something new (like a gun-toting preacher) to throw into the pot can open up a whole new menu.

It may be sheer coincidence that I took an interest in Cajun and Creole cooking while writing the Ed Landry books, but probably not. The cuisine has a core trinity to unite dishes and many variations on the theme. So, the question of what’s for dinner is met with some elements in hand. Nevertheless, the question still comes up as does the pressure to serve up something new.

There’s no escaping the question from readers. However, it’s a nice problem to have. So, what are you writing tonight?

Jack LaFountain