12/03/2020
HOW WRITING CAN BE LIKE BAKING: PART 1
What conversion tables are to me, may be what punctuation and spelling are to you
My kids always know when it’s Christmas, because that’s the only time there’s a smell of baking coming from the oven. And there’s a good reason for that: I avoid baking as much as possible because it’s not a skill that delivers the results I hope for! (Well, except maybe for basic biscuits. Those, I can do! For anything else, I either order and collect from a small business close by, or buy from the local store.)
I suppose I do have a bit of a mental block, but the fact is, I’m simply not good at it. “But all you have to do is follow the recipe!” say my Nigella Lawson-wannabee friends. Aaargh! It makes me want to take up my rolling pin and use it in a non-fit-for-purpose way. Conversion tables? My worst! Why can’t recipes standardise on cups, teaspoons and tablespoons?
I have a theory that if you don’t enjoy doing something, then you won’t do it well. And the same applies to writing. Being an uninspiring baker doesn’t make me stupid, it just says I’m someone who doesn’t enjoy baking! And I’m ok with that!
And the same should apply to anyone who doesn’t enjoy writing. Don’t allow anyone to make you feel stupid just because spelling and grammar’s not your thing. Do what I do when I need a cake, or special breads or pastries for a particular function. Get a professional to do your write-up for you so you can sit back and relax when your audience reads it.
DON’T STRESS OVER A WRITE-UP YOU NEED FOR YOUR BUSINESS, PRODUCT OR SERVICE. WHATSAPP ME AND I’LL TAKE THE LOAD OFF, LEAVING YOU FREE TO FOCUS ON RUNNING YOUR BUSINESS.