Writing A Book Is Like Baking A Cake.

Art For Art's Sake: Part 21

Photo by Sincerely Media on Unsplash

I am a writer. But I am also a baker.

As much as I love writing and sharing my thoughts and stories, I love baking and sharing my baked goods. I find Writing and Baking therapeutic. They both require work as well, but it's the kind of work I enjoy doing. And both Writing and Baking are the means and the end to me becoming a more fulfilled human being.

And it was while baking one of my pound cakes I realised that Writing and Baking are similar.

Yes, both are creative endeavours but more than that, they have similar processes as well. Let me walk you through it.

Both start off with the essential ingredients. This phase is the simplest to figure out.

Baking a cake requires flour, sugar, butter, essence, eggs, milk, baking powder and baking soda.

Writing a book requires an idea, a scene, a sentence, and a character.

Then we slowly mix them up. This phase takes the most time and requires hard work.

First, the sugar and butter are mixed. Then one by one, go the eggs. A few drops of essence, a dash of milk. On the side, the flour, baking powder and baking soda join forces, and then they merge with the other mixture. Pour into a pan, and they have reached their end. But the cake is not done yet. It hasn't fulfilled its purpose yet.

A character in a setting. An incident that will turn events. Decisions are made, and consequences are faced. A couple of wins and a couple of failures. A side plot to add more spice to the story. Eventually, it all comes together for one final victory. Finally, the precious two words are typed - The End. But the story doesn't end there. It hasn't fulfilled its purpose yet.

Now we have to push them into the unknown. This phase is a scary one.

It's time to put the cake out into the oven. We make sure the temperature of the oven is correct. We make sure we didn't forget any ingredients. We make sure we set the time right. We make sure we do our best for this cake to fulfil its purpose. But in order for that to happen, we have to let go of the cake.

It's time to put the book out into the world. We make sure the cover is on point, the grammar correct, and the message clear. We make sure we reach the right people who will love this book. We make sure we do our best for this book to fulfil its purpose. But in order for that to happen, we have to let go of the book.

Now we wait. This phase is one of excitement and anxiety.

Now that the cake is out of our hands, it has to face the heat of the oven. Will it turn out okay or not? We wonder. Will what we imagined about the cake, its taste, and its texture come true? We wonder. Will others like it or not? We wonder. Will it be loved? We wonder. What if it's not loved? Oh, dear. What if it is loved? Thank you, God.

Now that the book is out of our hands, it has to face the heat of the world. Will it turn out okay or not? We wonder. Will what we imagined about the book, its story, and its success come true? We wonder. Will readers like it or not? We wonder. Will it be loved? We wonder. What if it's not loved? Oh, dear. What if it is loved? Thank you, God.

The final moment has arrived. It's result time.

You sit there anxiously. Others have taken a slice of your cake. And now they take a bite. You stare at their faces, waiting for a reaction. Hoping for a good one. You are praying to all the gods and goddesses you remember. You also pray to your lost loved ones for good measure. You see the eater of your cake look up at you and smile. You let out a sigh of relief. Has the cake fulfilled its purpose? Yes. It has.

You sit there anxiously. Others have picked up your book. And now they read. You stare at their faces, waiting for a reaction. Hoping for a good one. You are praying to all the gods and goddesses you remember. You also pray to your lost loved ones for good measure. You see the reader of your book look up at you and smile. You let out a sigh of relief. Has the book fulfilled its purpose? Yes. It has.

But what if they look up and don't smile?

Well, you ask them what went wrong. You gather constructive feedback. You thank them for their help and time. You sulk a little, but only a little. Then you dust yourself, get up and try again.

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More in the Art For Art’s Sake series -

1. Your Job As A Writer Is To Write

2. Start Where You Are

3. To Build Your Writing Career, Start Small.

4. What Does It Mean To “Trust The Process?”

5. Consistency Will Help You Make A Breakthrough

6. You Must Stay Persistent With Your Creative Journey

7. Deliberate Practice Is The Key To Master The Craft Of Writing

8. Go Low, Slow And Steady. And You’ll Reach Your Writing Milestones Quicker.

9. Treat Your Art As An Experiment

10. If You Are Not Having Fun While Creating, You’re Doing It Wrong

11. Contrary To Popular Belief, Write For Yourself First

12. Comparison And Competition Will Hurt Your Writing

13. Rest Is Your Answer To A Productive Writing Session

14. Let Curiosity Lead Your Writing - And 2 Ways Of Doing It

15. You Need To Have Faith And Let Your Words Flow

16. Always Move On To Your Next Writing Project

17. Once You Choose To Become A Writer, You Are One For Life.

18. You Already Are A Writer. You Just Have To Identify As One To Yourself.

19. Breathe Life Into Your Writing Dream. Because If You Don’t, Who Will?

20. My Dear Writer, You Are Doing Your Best. Stop Beating Yourself Up.

21. Writing A Book Is Like Baking A Cake.

22. For The Sake Of Your Writing, Become Friends With Fear.

23. Give Writing The Time On Your Clock And The Loyalty Of Your Heart.

24. Nourish Your Writer Soul And Take Care Of Your Inner Creative Well.

25. Keep Logic, Ego And Rationality Out Of Your First Draft.