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<\/a><\/p>\nAs a fiction writer, I often write about food, especially as my characters go about their daily lives. Meals aren’t something you spend a lot of time describing — that ends up sounding like a food critic’s post instead of fiction — but you should be able to give a good, solid feel for them within a sentence or two.<\/p>\n
Remember to use all five senses as much as possible. How does the food smell? Does that roll crunch as you bite into it? Does the steam from your coffee rise to join the cigarette smoke near the ceiling? What about the texture or feeling of the food in your mouth? And don’t forget taste!<\/p>\n
What I usually do is set the scene, then describe the meal as the characters talk and act. This furthers the story while also giving depth to the scene.<\/p>\n
Here’s a little sample:<\/p>\n
Once inside, he took a deep breath. At least the place smelled more of meat and potatoes than grease and burned bread. Perhaps they’d survive their culinary expedition. John led the other youngster to the end of a table and sat where he could see the door. Millie, or one of her cohorts, sauntered over. She poured coffee, and they ordered the daily special.<\/em><\/p>\nJohn studied the freckled face of his companion: still a trace of baby fat, a few sparse hairs below the beaky nose, and a scattering of pustules across the forehead.<\/em><\/p>\nHe smiled. \u201cYou\u2019re what, fifteen? Out on your own and ready to get out of town, same as me.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\nThe blue eyes narrowed once more. \u201cI\u2019m fourteen. How\u2019d you figure all that?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\u201cKid, you don\u2019t want to know what all I can tell just by looking at a person.\u201d John leaned back and sipped his coffee, trying to pretend he liked the flavor. \u201cI figure you haven\u2019t been eating too regular, either. You got work waiting in Colorado?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\nThe kid scowled. \u201cI don\u2019t think you really need to know my business. How old are you, anyhow?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\nJohn waved the question away. \u201cI\u2019m old enough to be out on my own. It\u2019s an advantage, in my line of work, to look younger than I am.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\nAs he\u2019d planned, the kid\u2019s attention was diverted. \u201cWhat kind of work could anybody our age be doing?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\u201cYou\u2019d be surprised, kid,\u201d John said. He allowed himself a little smirk. The waitress set a plate in front of them. He waited until she left to resume the conversation.<\/em><\/p>\n\u201cSo do you have work waiting, or are you headed to Colorado on a whim?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/em><\/p>\nHe glanced over at the kid as he sawed into his slice of beef. The suspicious scowl on the other\u2019s face triggered his Totally Blameless Face. He gave the kid a wide smile.<\/em><\/p>\n\u201cI only ask because I\u2019m headed out West myself, and it occurs to me that a partner might be a definite asset.\u201d He waited until the other put a spoonful of stew into his mouth before he added, \u201cBesides, a kid like you could use an experienced man of the world to show him the ropes.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n