I’ll take a BLT with some writing on the side
As a perpetual Weight Watcher even I was surprised when my leader had the letters B-L-T on her flip chart. I mean, c’mon, I thought she was supposed to be helpful.
And she was.
BLT = Bites, Licks and Tastes. You know, those things we don’t count when we’re keeping track of our food, but that can really add up. In the world of weight loss you need the BLTs count big time. They can make the difference in a good week or a bad week, especially if your licks are frosting and your bites are hourly. These actions that seem inconsequential on their own really add up to, perhaps, a whole lot more of you than you wanted.
In life a BLT can be too much.
In writing, a BLT might not be enough.
It’s a good thing to drop crumbs along the way for your readers but that’s different than a bite of something that is not complete, that’s not enough. While in writing, less is more — less cannot mean less meaty — only lighter in word count.
These food metaphors are really making me hungry.
I’ve complained blogged before about dropped subplots. To me that’s a prime (beef?) example of a BLT. There’s also the BLT of a character described in detail for no reason. I read and I wait, mouth watering, for him or her to appear again and when they don’t, I go on reading and I’m hungry for more. Doesn’t mean you can’t add in someone where they need be, but it’s got to be a full course meal, even if it’s spa-sized. Your character can fulfill his or her role in a short span of pages, but if it seems like it’s leading to more and it’s not, well, you don’t want your reader looking for seconds when you didn’t make enough.
Enough already, I know, I haven’t even had breakfast.
So when writing, remember to watch out for BLTs. Make every bite, I mean word, count…and never leave the table manuscript when your reader is — or even might be — hungry for more.
Whew, done blogging, time to eat.
Amy, you rock at these analogies. I remember the first time I read about the BLTs — although I admit they weren’t called that — and it’s helped me a lot with my snacking. I’m notorious for stealing “just a couple fries”, etc.
That makes total sense with writing. In my wip, my MC is traveling so the entire book is made up of people he meets for an hour or two. I try to just give enough detail to picture them (oversized belt buckle and cowboy boots) then let the dialogue carry the rest. Great post!
I just finished my morning bagel, but now I’m ready to eat again!
It is a great analogy, and thanks for sharing these wise thoughts with us.
I love food analogies! Of course, I love food anything. “you don’t want your reader looking for seconds when you didn’t make enough.” Nice work, Amy Sue Nathan! Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to raid the fridge.
You ladies crack me up!
I’m hungry again after reading your comments. Geez!
Mel, I think you have the right idea – a little detail is visual yet implies ‘that’s it.’ No one will be looking for those characters later, they’ll have served their purpose.
Janna, mmm, bagel. Glad the analogy worked for you. I’m never sure if my brain is on the same plane as anyone else’s!
Deb, Thank you! Now, what did you find in that fridge of yours?
Amy
Great analogy! And I love BLT’s – the real thing.
Mindy, me too! Although I saw this thing on Oprah today called baconnaise — and I think it might just be the best thing next to white toast!
Amy
Great post! Now I’m hungry!
Ooh! I LOVE this analogy! You’re crazy talented at finding ways to tie everything back to writing! LOL! It’s awesome! And seriously, you’re so evil to post about BLT’s.
Someone else was talking about baconaisse the other day. That’s just wrong. Here we have mayo with lime juice in it — yum!
You’ve used an excellent metaphor Amy for the profession. Writing is food for the mind and soul. Lately mine has been more like cottage cheese, lumpy in places and bland as hell.
Oh well, back to the salt mines.
Great post, lady. BTW, real BLTs are about my favorite food items on the planet.
How did you know I’ve been craving a really good BLT lately? Mmmm. Or a BLAT, with avocado thrown in the mix. Truly yummy. Luckily for me, there’s a place around the corner that makes excellent BLTs. I suspect I’ll need to pop over there some time soonish.