Food Writing: Meals And Manuscripts

Write deliciously.

Learn to write delectable words about tasty cuisine in this food writing course, designed by award-winning writer Jennifer Billock. Food writing is a foodie’s paradise, an opportunity to not only read, write, and share your thoughts and methods for food, but also to spend your time eating delicious meals and reviewing restaurants.

Food is also a revealing cultural and historical exploration. What does one country’s eating style reveal about the population, the climate, the local ingredients, the history? With the interviewing and food writing skills learned in this course, you can find out.

This six-week class combines weekly food writing workshops with readings. You’ll learn the basics of several different styles of food writing. We’ll cover writing effective restaurant reviews, food history stories and memoirs, recipe writing and food blogging. Each week includes a writing assignment. Class members are encouraged to participate in critiques of one another’s work.

Food Writing Course Outline

Each week includes suggested readings, all of which will be available on the web. This course does not meet on Zoom.

Week 1. Restaurant Reviews

I will introduce the class and how it works and go over discussion participation guidelines and best practices. Then we will read a standard restaurant review and discuss the basics of writing your own.

Assignment: Post your bio in the discussion section. Go to a local restaurant and write a review, post it in the discussion section, then critique other students’ reviews.

Weeks 2 & 3.  Food History

First we will have a short discussion about the last assignment and critiques, and any comments on the suggested reading. We will then read a piece about food history and discuss why it was successful, and talk about the basics of writing these pieces.

Assignment: Week 2: Investigate a food-related topic and write an article about the history. Week 3: Revise according to workshop feedback.

Weeks 4 & 5.  Food Memoir

First we will have a short discussion about the last assignment and critiques, and any comments on the suggested reading. We will then discuss writing a memoir through the lens of food, including impactful food experiences, descriptive food wording, characters, scenes, and plot.

Assignment: Week 4: Write a short memoir piece about a pivotal food moment in your life. Week 5: Revise according to workshop feedback.

Week 6.  Blogging and Recipe Writing

First we will have a short discussion about the last assignment and critiques, and any comments on the suggested reading. We will then discuss recipe writing and the proper way to document and record the things you cook at home.

Assignment: Cook something at home and write down the recipe as you make it, post the recipe.

Why Take a Food Writing Course With Writers.com?

• We welcome writers of all backgrounds and experience levels, and we are here for one reason: to support you on your writing journey.
• Small groups keep our online writing classes lively and intimate.
• Work through your weekly written lectures, course materials, and writing assignments at your own pace.
• Share and discuss your work with classmates in a supportive class environment.
• Award-winning instructor Jennifer Billock will offer you direct, personal feedback and suggestions on every assignment you submit.

Your table awaits: Join our online food writing class!