As an author, I’ve often thought about what it is I do, how I do it, and what sort of analogies comes along with it. And this is one analogy I’ve come up with. I’m sure many creatives will be nodding their heads as they read this, because at the end of the day, ideas for creatives are all the same, and come the same way, regardless of what it is we do.

A Story Is Like A Pot Of Stew

First off, start a fire, put a huge pot onto the fire, then fill it with water.

So far, it’s just plain old water. It’s the start of your story, your vague idea. You’ve got it in your head and you’ve written it down. It’s the pot of water on the fire.

Second, as the ideas come to you put them in, pretend they’re seasoning like salt and pepper then start adding your vegetables. Write them down/throw them in and soon the water in the pot is bubbling with all sorts of twists and turns in it.

Third, you add the meat which is your big crescendo or twist. You stir it around, you let it thicken and gain traction, and by the time you have a pot of thick hearty stew ready to enjoy, the story should be ready to go too. Ready to write down and turn into reality.

So there you have it, how a story is like a pot of stew.