Lessons from Flavortown

Guy?Fieri isn't often known for sophistication. Frosted tips, backwards sunglasses and trash can nachos are some of his many cultural?contributions.

But I recognized an important lesson while recently watching the Fieri-hosted Food Network competition?show Tournament of Champions, in which chefs are given a set of parameters and go head-to-head creating the best dish in the allotted?amount of time.

More often than not, the chef who prevails on the show isn't the most talented.

No, the result often comes down to planning, process and execution.

When watching the show, you can tell which of the participants is better prepared. They begin each step at the right time, map out the elements of the meal, and place food on the plate with time to spare.

On one?recent episode, a cook had some fried onions she wanted to add to her dish, but with only seconds left on the clock, she grabbed a handful and desperately heaved them onto the plates. The judges found her food tasty, but she came up short in large part because of the presentation.

In post-cooking interviews, the losing chefs often highlight running out of time or second-guessing themselves.

If only they'd remained focused on planning, process and execution.

These three steps are pretty effective with anything, including book writing. By planning, using the right process, and executing that process, a writer can make steady, consistent progress on their book.

It's a great feeling when a book comes together without an overriding sense of disorder or urgency and the writer remains in control. They aren't just throwing stuff into the book at the last minute because it?is incomplete or too short, but being purposeful and deliberate. Every word and sentence and sidebar and design element adds flavor to the?story.

The end result is a beautiful medley that tantalizes the senses. And to think, it only?requires three ingredients.