Chicken Noodle Soup

Why yes, I do realize that is a totally random title.

Yes, I also realize it has nothing to do with writing.  Or does it?

So you want to write a no-- er, make a pot of chicken noodle soup.  First things first, you need a kick butt broth.  Obviously now you are going to need some chicken, but not too much.  Noodles added with a careful hand... don't crowd them or they'll turn to mush!  You could throw in some green peas for a subtle burst of sweet to go with the savory, or maybe you prefer carrots and celery.  Finally comes the seasoning.  Pepper to spice things up?  Or maybe you like rosemary.

What's the point, Holly?  We know how to make chicken soup!

I'm getting there.  Gah.  You've got no more patience than Super Spawn.  hehe

The broth of your soup is your plot.  It needs to be strong enough to hold the whole pot together.  It acts as unifier and common thread for the whole meal -- novel.

Your chicken is the main character in this show -- it even gets headline in the title.  Be careful though, chickens can run amok easily, getting stringy and tough.

Noodles are delicious and filling, but not when they're mushy.  Your noodles are your conflict.  Too much and you've got a pot of sludge with no real consistency.  Not enough and you won't feel satisfied when you finish the bowl.

The addition of your peas or carrots adds depth and flavor to an otherwise bland pot.

Seasonings are tricky though.  Too much pepper and you'll get burnt. Too many subplots and you'll confuse your readers.  Balance your flavors carefully.

When everything comes together you have your seasons working with your broth, your noodles add just the right texture, and the chicken is easily identified.  At the end you feel warm and satisfied.

Bet you can't guess what I had for dinner last night.  lol