Friday, June 26, 2009

Using the Senses: Taste

Well, I saved the worst for last. How in the world does taste affect our writing? And do we want it too?

I guess we could lick our keyboards or notebooks, but I'm feeling a little gaggy at the thought, so let's not discuss it.

Taste, taste...hmm...what can I possibly say?

Do you snack while you write? Do you sip on anything? Chew gum? Pop cough drops?

I (gasp! It's a big surprise, isn't it?) drink coffee while I write. I usually don't eat, but sometimes I'll bring up a bowl of berries or cut up an apple. No, I'm not Miss Health Nut 2009, but that's why I eat fruit for a snack. I could eat wood chips while I'm writing and not know the difference. I get very wrapped up in my work. Why would I waste calories on a snack I don't register? Fruit it is! I save the decadent snacks for when I'm in the moment.

What about you? Are you putting away mindless calories just to keep your mouth busy when you write? How does this affect you? Your writing? Or do you eat anything? Is there a healthy snack you could incorporate?

Or do you purposely let a square of dark chocolate melt on your tongue to get you in the mood to write a sensual scene? Snack on homemade macaroni and cheese when writing a heartwarming one? Crunch on carrot sticks when writing an action-packed chapter? Hey, whatever helps your writing!

Ahh... I managed to write a post on taste. Didn't think I had it in me.

Thanks for all the terrific comments about our senses. It's been delightful learning about you and I've enjoyed some good laughs, too!

Enjoy your weekend!

16 comments:

  1. I am a terrible calorie waster - I like to munch so I like things I can keep eating. Fruit is a favorite, but I also deviate to chips or M&Ms when I shouldn't!

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  2. Good Morning!

    MeganRebekah: Can you guess my excitement level yesterday when informed at the video store I qualified for a FREE bag of M&M's??? No one should ever get that thrilled, but, "free" and "M&M's" do something to me!

    Thanks for stopping by!

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  3. Tea. Tea. Tea, while I write with LOTS of sugar and a wee bit of milk. :D

    Jill, have fun this weekend. I've had fun reading your blog on senses.

    ~ Wendy

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  4. I am a calorie waster too, I'm afraid. BIG TIME! I need to get back into my tea habit like Wendy. Tea is such a great thing to sip on and calorie free! Plus relaxing. It's hard when its 100 degrees outside though!

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  5. While I write, I like an ice cold Diet Dr. Pepper, my drink of choice. If not that, ice tea. (Yes, I live in the south and it is 100+ degrees down in Texas right now)

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  6. Wendy: That's how I take my coffee--white and cavity inducing! You wouldn't have a chocolate chip cookie you could send my way, now would you? That recipe from yesterday sounded divine!

    Katie: Who can do anything but slouch and whine in temperatures over 100 degrees? I know I can't. Get a nice cold soda and drink it guilt free. Go ahead!

    Sherrinda: Diet Dr. Pepper is my favorite diet pop!! Next time I crack one open, which I'm guessing will be in two hours, I'll send a silent toast your way!

    Thanks for stopping by!

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  7. When I can munch (without the jaw killing me) I prefer cookies or crackers with my writing but my poor keyboard bears the scars. Did I spell bears right????
    Love how your voice comes through on your posts BTW

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  8. jill, i've enjoyed your posts on senses...i just haven't had the time to post a response on them all! thanks for sharing with us what you do. :)

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  9. Terri: I'm no stranger to teeth problems, so I'm sending a few prayers your way. Jaw and teeth pain are awful.

    Jeannie: Thanks, and I know what you mean about time. Now that summer is here, I'm struggling to fit everything in.

    Thanks so much for stopping by!

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  10. I love to drink water w/ lemon while I write. I'm a playwright, so I'm usually verbalizing lines while I write and it's good to keep hydrated!

    I also love a glass of champagne when I'm finishing up the last few lines of the last scene of a play. It's a celebratory tradition I've practiced since college. Just a little glass, a toast to myself, my characters and the future of the piece. But, want to be clear that I do not 'drink & write'! Which I think can be as dangerous as drinking and driving!

    that being said...CHEERS!

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  11. I drink coffee too! Another resounding gasp of shock! :) But I also drink tea. Off to make some coffee to go with my afternoon work! Have a great weekend!

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  12. PlaywrightChick: My tastebuds just thanked you! Ice water w/lemon sounds soooo good right now. A healthy treat!

    Writing plays must be very different from novels. Is it like writing screenplays? I love Blake Snyder's "Save the Cat."

    Jody: What?! You drink coffee?? Ha! Ha! Go get some caffeine and get your afternoon work in!

    Thanks for stopping by!

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  13. I drink coffee usually, try to stay away from food to avoid messing the keyboard. But every once in a while popcorn slips next to me. Can't say no to a bowl of popcorn.

    For some reason, your post has me having a craving for a pumpkin spice latte. Off to make one now with skim milk of course.

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  14. I'm hungry now!!! I eat cheese and crackers and grapes when I write. It seems to last awhile. :)

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  15. Eileen: Mmm, pumpkin spice latte? Sounds heavenly!

    Lady Glamis: Cheese, crackers, grapes--sounds like a wine-tasting party to me! Or is that my Friday mind talking? A lovely snack!

    Thanks for stopping by!

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  16. Great post! (And I'm gagging there along with you at the thought of licking the computer!)

    I don't snack while I write because I hate getting the keyboard all messy. That said, sometimes I break to eat to get the blood sugar going. :D

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