Good morning everyone. As discussed last week, throughout May we are looking at food and what it can tell us about the world and culture our characters inhabit. Last week we did a simple everyday meal. This week we are going a little bigger.
Today’s Meal: A big family gathering
This can be a holiday, or it can just be the weekly/ monthly family gathering. Take the meals of the week prior, the everyday meal, and show how it has been elaborated on for a large gathering. Is it just more food, or are there different types? Are there things the family only eats when there are a large number of people? It could be something that takes more work or it could be something that is just easier to make in large quantities.
Start from an individual character’s perspective. Again in addition to writing the scene for their current circumstances, show how things have changed through the life of that character. Were they born rich or poor and their circumstances changed? Has there been drought and shortages or has increased trade changed things. In addition to the table, show the differences in age. How this person viewed the table as a child versus adult. There are all little ways to show the character and the culture.
If world building expand it through the various economic levels. Show different nations and religions if you want. Think about your world and use the food as a tool for description and expansion. Throughout it, focus on a large family gathering and the food served there.
Ten til Midnight 