I first heard this gem of an analogy of Chef vs Cook authors from Brandon Sanderson’s writing lectures on YouTube and thought it such a tasty way to think about our craft! Whether you’re drafting your first novel or polishing your tenth, this mindset can truly place you in a league of your own. So, if you’re in the South, grab a hot cuppa and if you’re in the North – pop another cold one for we’ll investigate how you can find your unique flavour as a writer!
The Chef vs. Cook Mindset
So, what’s the deal with chefs and cooks? Sanderson breaks it down like this: a cook follows a recipe to make something solid, reliable, and satisfying. Think mac and cheese from a box – tastes good… hits the spot… done. A chef, though? They invent the recipe as they go. Tossing in a pinch of this, a dash of that, until the dish is uniquely theirs.
In writing, a “cook” sticks to familiar tropes, structures and tools to help them craft stories that work but don’t necessarily stand out. A “chef” (or experienced writer) will take risks, blend unexpected elements, themes, tropes or emotions and create something unforgettable.
Now, don’t get me wrong – there’s nothing bad about being a cook. We all start there, learning the basics of story structure, character arcs, and world-building. But if you want to level up your writing skills, it’s time to channel your inner chef.
Channel your inner chef
Let’s talk about how to do that with some practical writing tips that’ll motivate you to spice things up.
1: Know Your Ingredients (The Basics Still Matter)
Before you go all Gordon Ramsay on your manuscript, you need to master the pantry staples. A cook learns how to boil water – meaning a writer learns plot structure, pacing, and dialogue. These are your foundations.
For example, understanding the three-act structure is like knowing how to chop onions. It’s essential, even if you’re dreaming up a five-course epic fantasy feast.
Actionable Tip: Pick one “ingredient” to study this month. Struggling with stakes? Check out K.M. Weiland’s blog on creating story tension. Weak dialogue? Try ear-training by reading your favourite fantasy novel aloud. Solid basics give you the confidence to experiment without burning the kitchen down.
2: Experiment with Flavours (Break the Rules, Thoughtfully)
Chefs don’t just follow recipes, they break or reinvent them! In fantasy writing, this could mean playing with tropes or structures to make them your own. Love a classic chosen-one story? Cool, but what if your hero’s prophecy is a scam? Or if your magic system runs on emotions instead of mana? These twists are what make readers go, “Whoa, I’ve never tasted that before!”
I remember when I first tried flipping a trope in my WIP, just for fun. I took the “grumpy mentor” archetype and made them a chaotic, tea-obsessed faerie who was terrible at teaching. It was risky, but it gave my story a vibe that felt mine. That’s the chef mindset; taking the familiar and adding your own spice – because you can!
Actionable Tip: List three tropes you love in fantasy (e.g., fated mates, dark lords, magical academies). Now, brainstorm one way to subvert each. Stuck? Peek at TV Tropes’ fantasy section for inspiration, but don’t fall down the rabbit hole for too long!
3: Trust Your Palate (Find Your Voice)
Here’s where the chef analogy really shines because no one else has your taste buds. Your voice, your unique blend of humour, themes, or imagery is what sets you apart. Early on, I tried mimicking my favourite authors, but my stories felt like knockoff fast food. Sure, I could do a couple of pages but a whole book? No way. It wasn’t until I leaned into my love for writing – consistently – that my writing started to pop and blossom.
Sanderson talks about this too. How your quirks make your stories memorable. Perhaps you’re obsessed with mythical creatures or can’t resist a good betrayal twist. Whatever it is, lean into it! That’s your signature dish. Remember, what you’re passionate about is what will come most naturally.
Actionable Tip: Write a 500-word scene about something you’re nerdy about (say, ancient libraries or talking swords). Don’t overthink it! Just let your passion spill out. Reread it to spot what made your voice sparkle, then sprinkle that into your main project.
4: Serve with Confidence (Own Your Risks)
Chefs don’t apologize for bold flavours, and neither should you. Taking risks – whether it’s a weird POV, a morally grey hero or a genre mashup – can feel scary. What if agents or readers hate it? But here’s the honest truth: yes, some will hate it, and that’s okay. The ones who love it, though… they’ll become your superfans!
Once, when I sent a first draft to beta readers, I was terrified they’d hate my experimental mix of themes. Spoiler: some did. But others raved about it, and their feedback helped me refine it into something I’m proud of and continue to build on. Besides practice, risk is how you grow from a cook to a chef!
Actionable Tip: Share a bold scene from your WIP with a trusted critique partner or group. Ask specifically what feels fresh or surprising. Not sure where to find critique buddies? Check out Facebook author groups or Scribophile for a supportive writing community.
5: Keep Cooking (Persistence Is the Secret Sauce)
Here’s the real talk: becoming a chef takes time. Like every single other author, you’ll burn a few dishes, undercook some plots or forget to gravy for the climax. That’s part of the process.
Sanderson didn’t become a fantasy titan overnight, and neither will we. But every draft, every critique, every “oops” moment is you levelling up. So, keep writing! Keep experimenting!
Maybe your first novel is an awesome crowd-pleasing mac and cheese. Your next one might be a wild fusion dish which only a few will get. But those few? Boy, oh boy – they’ll be obsessed! As long as you understand that the joy is in the journey and, as a kindred spirit, I’m cheering you on.
Actionable Tip: Set a small, chef-inspired goal for this coming week. Draft a 1,000-word short story that breaks one rule (e.g. no dialogue… weird setting… unusual archetype). It doesn’t have to be perfect, just fun. Need a prompt? Try Reedsy’s fantasy prompts.
Be Your Own Chef
Whether you’re penning epic fantasy, cozy mysteries, or something totally unclassifiable, the chef vs. cook mindset is about owning your craft. Just like a baby cannot start off with solid food, start as a cook. Learn the ropes, nail the basics. Then dare to be a chef as you practice and make progress. Mix, tweak, and serve stories only you can create. I promise you – your readers are out there, hungry for your flavour.
I’d love to hear about your culinary adventures going forward! Visit me on social media, tag me in anything author-related (funny or serious) and, if you’re craving more writing tips, check out my previous blogs.
Until next time… keep stirring the literary pot, you Master Chef, you!
Zee