Tag: eating out

Food for Thought

On By Terry ConnellyIn prompt, Uncategorized, Writing promptLeave a comment

            It seems that many social gatherings include food of some kind. The group might meet at a restaurant where handling the check becomes a source of tension. Perhaps they meet at a park for a picnic, everyone bringing something to share. This can be fun, tasting different foods, but it can also create problems when someone arrives empty-handed.

            Normally conversation stays on safe topics such as the weather, medical issues or sports, but in every crowd there’s someone who wants to discuss politics. And when his point of view is different from most, conflict arises.

            There’s also the problem about what to bring. Salad? Main dish? Dessert? But what happens when someone, a notorious big eater, arrives with a single bag of chips?

            Does it rankle you when this happens or do you shrug it off?

            Your task is to write a story about a gathering of people that involves food.

            Choose a setting and situation that’s likely to involve tension and conflict. Have a variety of people with a variety of interests and beliefs that will light the spark.

            Setting and dialogue are both important. When describing setting, focus on what people are doing, how they’re showing emotions.

            Have fun with this one.

Eating Out

On By Terry ConnellyIn Uncategorized, Writing promptLeave a comment

There’s something magical about eating in a restaurant. Choosing exactly what you want from a menu is thrilling when normally you have to eat what’s served to the whole family. Every single person is the group can have a different entrée! Amazing.

Where you eat depends upon many factors. If you are traveling you might opt for fast food so that you can get back on the road as quickly as possible. If you are meeting friends, then you select someplace that gives you time to chat and simply be together.

If you are celebrating a special event, you might go for a high-end restaurant with tablecloths and linen napkins. If it’s with children it might be a pizza joint with games for entertainment.

Your characters most likely eat out sometimes, for all the reasons that we do.

Your task is to create a list that corresponds with your character’s preferences, depending upon the circumstances. Think across the spectrum. You can use names of real places or create new ones.

Write a scene that involves eating out. You might begin with the discussion of where to go, or bring in the reader at the restaurant while eating is taking place. Look for the scene with the most drama, the most interest.

Remember that tension is important, so perhaps there’s an argument between at least two of the participants.

Have fun with this one.

 

Cheapskate Travelers

On By Terry ConnellyIn Uncategorized, Writing promptLeave a comment

Imagine that your character goes out to eat with friends.  He orders a number of drinks, appetizers, an entree and a desert. The food is delicious. The service excellent.

The bill comes. Each person has to contribute their fare share, with tax and tip.

What does he do? You have to decide whether or not he contributes his fair share.

What happens if he tips amply but the others don’t? Does he say something?

What happens when all but one friend pays with cash but the remaining one pulls out a charge card? Does he say something to make sure his ample tip is paid?

On the other hand, what if your character doesn’t pay for all he ordered? How do the others feel? What do they say and do?

Your task is to write the story.

Have fun with this one.